Research Rounds: Digestive Health

May 25, 2026

In this issue of Research Rounds: Digestive Health, we're covering 3 new clinical trials exploring emerging treatments for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, plus 3 recent research papers on promising approaches for IBS—from traditional remedies like magnolia bark to digital interventions and gut-brain targeted medications. Whether you're following cutting-edge drug development or interested in evidence-based management strategies, we've got the latest updates on what's happening in digestive health research.

New This Issue

IBD

Testing Duvakitug to Keep Ulcerative Colitis in Remission

This study tests whether a drug called duvakitug can help people with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis stay in remission long-term. Participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 40 weeks, with an option to continue in an extended study for up to 6 years. The trial will measure how well the drug prevents flare-ups and what side effects occur.

Who qualifies: Ages 16–80, any sex, with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

Where: Coronado, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Fort Myers, FL

Contact: Trial Transparency email recommended (Toll free for US & Canada) · 800-633-1610

Contact This Trial View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
IBD

Real-World Safety Study of Filgotinib for Ulcerative Colitis in Korea

This study watches how a drug called filgotinib (brand name Jyseleca) performs in real-world conditions for people with ulcerative colitis in Korea. Researchers will track any side effects, unexpected reactions, and how well the drug works when used as prescribed. This is a post-approval study to make sure the drug is safe and effective for Korean patients.

Who qualifies: Ages 18+, any sex, with ulcerative colitis in Korea

Where: Cheonan, Chuncheon, and Wŏnju, South Korea

Contact: Serena SoYoun Kwon · +82-2-3451-5533

Contact This Trial View on ClinicalTrials.gov →
IBD

Vorinostat for Crohn's Disease With Maintenance Therapy Follow-Up

This study tests whether a drug called vorinostat can reduce inflammation in moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease that isn't responding to current treatments. Participants who respond well will then continue treatment and eventually move to a 2-year maintenance phase with a drug called ustekinumab. The study spans several phases over multiple years and includes regular clinic visits, blood tests, and symptom tracking.

Who qualifies: Ages 18–65, any sex, with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease not controlled by medicine

Where: Bethesda, MD

Contact: Ivan J Fuss, M.D. · (301) 761-7091

Contact This Trial View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Research Spotlight

How Magnolia Bark May Help IBS-D: A New Look at an Old Remedy

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2025 · Wang X et al.

Key takeaway

Magnolia officinalis, a traditional herbal remedy for diarrhea and cramping, is now being studied with modern tools to understand exactly how it works. If you're exploring herbal options for IBS-D, this research helps explain why some people report symptom relief and identifies the active compounds worth paying attention to.

Researchers used machine learning and network analysis to identify which compounds in Magnolia bark are actually responsible for reducing IBS-D symptoms. They found that the herb works through multiple targets in the body—not just one mechanism—which explains why it may help several different symptoms at once, from diarrhea to abdominal pain.

Read on PubMed →

Online Self-Help Programs for IBS Show Real Promise in Clinical Trials

Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2025 · Xu X et al.

Key takeaway

If you don't have easy access to a gastroenterologist or prefer managing IBS on your own schedule, internet-based self-help programs—like cognitive behavioral therapy or stress management apps—are backed by evidence and can actually improve your symptoms.

Researchers reviewed multiple randomized controlled trials testing online self-help programs for IBS and combined the results to see which ones work best. They found that internet-based interventions targeting behavioral and psychological factors do lead to meaningful improvements in IBS symptoms and quality of life.

Read on PubMed →

Duloxetine for IBS Pain: How an Antidepressant Works on the Gut-Brain Connection

Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 2025 · Rejili M et al.

Key takeaway

If you've been prescribed duloxetine (Cymbalta) for IBS pain, it's not just working as an antidepressant—it actually rebalances your gut-brain communication, reduces immune inflammation in the gut, and may even shift your microbiota. Understanding this can help you see why it may take several weeks to notice improvement.

This review examines how duloxetine, a medication sometimes prescribed for IBS pain, works beyond just mood effects. It targets the gut-brain axis by calming nerve signals, reducing inflammatory responses in the intestines, and potentially changing your microbiota composition—making it particularly useful for pain-dominant IBS.

Read on PubMed →
The Digestive Health edition is supported by Après, a digestive enzyme mint company that funds this because they think people with GI issues deserve better access to information.
Was this forwarded to you? Get your own personalized digest →
Unsubscribe · Update preferences · Privacy Policy
Research Rounds: Digestive Health