03.25.24
BiOkuris, a spinoff of biotechnology company KitoZyme focused on chronic intestinal diseases, announced that the first patient has enrolled in a clinical study called Relieve, which will investigate the efficacy of a medical food in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for Crohn’s disease patients experiencing irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms during remission.
The study will investigate BK003, a formula containing chitin glucan, vitamins B and D, and essential minerals, in improving IBS symptoms experienced by Crohn’s disease patients in remission.
"This is an important milestone for BiOkuris," said François Blondel, executive chairman of the board and CEO of BiOkuris. "This clinical study represents yet another significant step forward in demonstrating the potential of our innovative platform based on our unique molecule, chitin glucan derived from fungal source, this time to address unmet medical needs in Crohn’s patients."
"This innovative approach with BK003 holds promise to meet the specific requirements of Crohn's Disease patients in remission suffering from IBS-like symptoms," said Dr. Edouard Louis, head of gastroenterology and professor at CHU in Liège. “A positive outcome may pave the way to providing a solution to other patient groups suffering from IBS-like symptoms.”
Managing IBS-Like Symptoms
Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract, causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, and while the exact cause remains elusive, factors like genetics, environment, and immune dysfunction are believed to play significant roles. Crohn’s disease often results in nutrient deficiencies and unpredictable flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
Up to 50% of patients endure persistent IBS-like symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, and treatments are not always especially effective on persistent symptoms during remission, the company reports, and these symptoms can also manifest in conditions outside of Crohn’s, like celiac, colorectal cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
Study Design and Objectives
The Relieve study sets out to evaluate: global symptoms such as pain and bloating; changes in stool consistency and bowel frequency; enhancements in quality of life; and reduction of anxiety and depression. The study will take place over 10 weeks, and will be conducted in a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial.
The study will investigate BK003, a formula containing chitin glucan, vitamins B and D, and essential minerals, in improving IBS symptoms experienced by Crohn’s disease patients in remission.
"This is an important milestone for BiOkuris," said François Blondel, executive chairman of the board and CEO of BiOkuris. "This clinical study represents yet another significant step forward in demonstrating the potential of our innovative platform based on our unique molecule, chitin glucan derived from fungal source, this time to address unmet medical needs in Crohn’s patients."
"This innovative approach with BK003 holds promise to meet the specific requirements of Crohn's Disease patients in remission suffering from IBS-like symptoms," said Dr. Edouard Louis, head of gastroenterology and professor at CHU in Liège. “A positive outcome may pave the way to providing a solution to other patient groups suffering from IBS-like symptoms.”
Managing IBS-Like Symptoms
Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract, causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, and while the exact cause remains elusive, factors like genetics, environment, and immune dysfunction are believed to play significant roles. Crohn’s disease often results in nutrient deficiencies and unpredictable flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
Up to 50% of patients endure persistent IBS-like symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, and treatments are not always especially effective on persistent symptoms during remission, the company reports, and these symptoms can also manifest in conditions outside of Crohn’s, like celiac, colorectal cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
Study Design and Objectives
The Relieve study sets out to evaluate: global symptoms such as pain and bloating; changes in stool consistency and bowel frequency; enhancements in quality of life; and reduction of anxiety and depression. The study will take place over 10 weeks, and will be conducted in a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial.
