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Home › Conditions › Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Part of Colonic Diseases

16 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

51 trials tracked for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 12 in phase 3 or 4 and 4 with published results. The most-cited published study has 328 citations.

51Trials tracked
12Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
4With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 7 Phase 3 5 Phase 2 18 Phase 1 1 Other / NA 20
  1. Phase 3 Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Eluxadoline in the Treatment of Participants With Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-d) Completed · 328 cited
  2. Phase 3 Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Eluxadoline in the Treatment of Participants With Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-d) Completed · 326 cited
  3. Phase 3 Long Term Safety Study of Plecanatide Completed · 9 cited
  4. Phase 4 A Longitudinal Study to Identify IBS Phenotypes Using Fecal Microbiota and Hydrogen Breath Testing Completed
  5. Phase 4 Open Trial of Duloxetine in Outpatients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Co-Morbid Major Depression Completed
  6. Phase 4 Pregabalin on Colonic Motor and Sensory Function in Constipation Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 4 An Open Label Trial of Duloxetine in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder Completed
  2. Phase 4 Effectiveness of On-demand Meteospasmyl® Use in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Completed
  3. Phase 4 An Open-Label Trial of Duloxetine for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  4. Phase 4 Effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v on Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  5. Phase 3 The Effect of Long-Acting Mesalamine on Post-Infective Irritable Bowel Syndrome- A Pilot Study Completed
  6. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety of Lubiprostone in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation Completed
  7. Phase 2 Study of LX1031 in Subjects With Non-Constipating Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  8. Phase 2 A Trial for New Treatment of Adult Participants With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  9. Phase 2 Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of JNJ-27018966 (Eluxadoline) in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea Completed
  10. Phase 2 Ibodutant for Relief of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IRIS) Completed
  11. Phase 2 SH-DS01 on Fecal Metagenomic Stability Completed
  12. Phase 2 Citalopram in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  13. Phase 2 Randomized Placebo Controlled Efficacy And Safety Study Investigating GW876008 In Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  14. Phase 2 A Placebo-Controlled Trial of St. John's Wort for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  15. Phase 2 Comparing a 182mg Colon-targeted-delivery Peppermint Oil Capsule (Tempocol-ColoPulse®) and a 182mg Enteric-coated Peppermint Oil Capsule (Tempocol®), a Pharmacokinetic Study Completed
  16. Phase 2 Efficacy of Mesalamine in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (dIBS) Completed
  17. Phase 2 Comparison of Rimegepant and Placebo for Pain in IBS Completed
  18. Phase 2 Effect of a Cannabinoid Agonist on Colonic Sensory Functions in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  19. Phase 2 Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  20. Phase 2 Does Welchol (Colesevelam Hydrochloride) Improve Colonic Transit in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (D-IBS)? Completed
  21. Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Vibegron Administered Orally for 12 Weeks to Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  22. Phase 2 Effect of Cannabinoid Agonist on Gastrointestinal and Colonic Motor Functions in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Completed
  23. Phase 2 A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pregabalin (Lyrica) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  24. Phase 2 Vestibulodynia: Understanding Pathophysiology and Determining Appropriate Treatments Completed
  25. Phase 1 A Phase 1, First Time in Human (FTIH) Study to Evaluate GSK3352589, a REarranged During Transfection (RET) Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Healthy Volunteers Completed
  26. N/A Effects of Low FODMAP Diet on Colonic Epithelial Physiology in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  27. N/A Irritable Bowel Syndrome Hypnotherapy Completed
  28. N/A Efficacy and Safety of IBS Digital Behavioral Treatment Completed
  29. N/A Acceptability and Efficacy of the Zemedy App for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  30. N/A Evaluating the Efficacy of the Mediterranean Diet to the Low- Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols (FODMAP) Diet in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) Completed
  31. N/A Does Improving Vagal Tone Increase Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Completed
  32. N/A Advanced Metagenomic Analysis of Human Colonic Microbiota in Patients With Chronic GI Disorders Completed
  33. N/A Effects of Lubiprostone on Gastrointestinal Transit & pH in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) With Constipation Completed
  34. N/A Chronic Gastrointestinal Sequelae of an Acute Outbreak of Bacterial Gastroenteritis in Walkerton Ontario Completed
  35. N/A A Randomized, Single Centre, Double-blind, Parallel, Sham-controlled Pilot Study Using gammaCore®-G Completed
  36. N/A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Bowel Symptoms: Collection of Pilot Survey Data Completed
  37. N/A Peer Mentorship: An Intervention To Promote Effective Pain Self-Management In Adolescents Completed
  38. N/A Gulf War Digestive Health Study Completed
  39. N/A Effects of Open-label vs Double-blind Treatment in IBS Completed
  40. N/A Self Administered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  41. N/A The Value of Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  42. N/A Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation for Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Completed
  43. N/A Biomarkers for Intestinal Permeability in Patients With Constipation Completed
  44. N/A Efficacy of Open Label Placebo in Children With FGIDs Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 51 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: what the trials found

Several pharmacological interventions have demonstrated efficacy in managing IBS symptoms. Duloxetine has been shown to significantly improve gastrointestinal symptoms (GSRS), reduce pain scores as measured by daily diaries and the Short Form-McGill Pain Questionnaire, and improve global impression scales [6, 11]. Antispasmodic agents are associated with significant improvements in overall quality of life scores 7.

Eluxadoline has demonstrated statistically significant improvement in composite responders (pain and stool consistency) in one trial 13, although it did not reach statistical significance in another study [12, 20]. Lubiprostone showed a statistically significant difference in overall responder status compared to placebo 16.

Probiotic therapy with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v was associated with a significant reduction in abdominal pain severity 8. Mesalamine resulted in improvements in the average overall bowel symptom score and IBS-specific quality of life scores 15.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Rimegepant 75 MG showed statistically significant improvements in bowel movement frequency (p=0.043) and rectal compliance (p=0.041), but did not significantly change abdominal pain scores (p=0.41) 1.
  • A 5% lidocaine/5 mg/ml 0.02% estradiol compound cream showed a significant improvement in self-reported physical health via the SF-12 survey (p=<0.0001), though it did not significantly change pain scores on the SF-MPQ or during the Tampon Test 2.
  • Other recent trials involving DS-01 3, purified gluten 4, and Rifaximin 550 MG 5 were conducted, with Rifaximin showing no significant changes in mean daily abdominal pain or bloating (p=0.78, p=0.77).

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Duloxetine is an established option for reducing gastrointestinal symptoms and patient-reported pain scores.
  • Eluxadoline shows mixed results regarding composite responder status across different trials.
  • Lubiprostone, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, and antispasmodic agents are established interventions with documented improvements in specific IBS metrics like pain severity, quality of life, and overall response.
  • Rimegepant may impact bowel movement frequency and rectal compliance, though its effect on abdominal pain is not statistically confirmed.

AI synthesis of 10 cited trials, updated Jun 28, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
ME/CFS linked to 7-fold higher odds of irritable bowel syndrome in meta-analysis
Rheumatology Meta-analysis
ME/CFS linked to 7-fold higher odds of irritable bowel syndrome in meta-analysis People with chronic fatigue syndrome often have irritable bowel issues
This meta-analysis reports that individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) have significantly higher odds …
A new look at the data shows people with chronic fatigue syndrome are much more likely to also deal with irritable bowel symptoms.
Frontiers Jul 27, 2026
Probiotics modestly reduce pain intensity and weekly episodes in children with abdominal pain disorders
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
Probiotics modestly reduce pain intensity and weekly episodes in children with abdominal pain disorders Probiotics may offer modest relief for children with abdominal pain
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 1899 patients found that probiotic supplementation moderately reduces pain intensity and weekly …
New research suggests that probiotics can help reduce the intensity and frequency of stomach pain in children with certain digestive disorde…
Jul 22, 2026
Mediterranean-based diets may offer superior efficacy over traditional dietary advice for irritable bowel syndrome
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Meta-analysis
Mediterranean-based diets may offer superior efficacy over traditional dietary advice for irritable bowel syndrome Specific Dietary Changes May Help Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 939 patients evaluates four dietary interventions for IBS, including low FODMAP and Mediterranea…
New analysis of dietary plans for IBS shows that while many diets work, some may offer better long-term management than traditional advice.
Jul 7, 2026
Acupuncture modulates the microbiota-gut-brain axis to remodel microbial structure in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
Acupuncture modulates the microbiota-gut-brain axis to remodel microbial structure in patients with irritable bowel syndrome Acupuncture May Help Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
This systematic review examines how acupuncture influences the microbiota-gut-brain axis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The auth…
New research suggests acupuncture may help manage irritable bowel syndrome by improving gut bacteria and balancing the gut-brain connection.
Frontiers Jun 11, 2026
Sympathovagal imbalance correlates with IBS symptom severity and shows subtype specificity
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
Sympathovagal imbalance correlates with IBS symptom severity and shows subtype specificity Irritable bowel syndrome shows specific brain gut signals linked to symptom severity
This review examines neural dynamics in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The authors synthesize evidence that reduced vagal tone with…
A review found that reduced vagal tone and relative sympathetic hyperactivity correlate with symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome pa…
Frontiers Jun 7, 2026
Internet-based self-help interventions significantly improve IBS symptom severity and quality of life across diverse global populations in this systematic review
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Internet-based self-help interventions significantly improve IBS symptom severity and quality of life across diverse global populations in this systematic review Internet self-help programs ease IBS pain and anxiety for thousands
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 2,289 individuals with irritable bowel syndrome across seven countries demonstrates that internet-b…
A large review shows online self-help programs significantly improve IBS symptoms and quality of life for people in seven countries.
May 22, 2026
Narrative review examines fermentation effects on non-celiac gluten sensitivity and IBS components
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Narrative review examines fermentation effects on non-celiac gluten sensitivity and IBS components Bread fermentation might help sensitive guts, but proof is still missing
This narrative review evaluates fermentation in breadmaking regarding non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity and irritable bowel syndrome. T…
Fermented bread could lower triggering ingredients for sensitive guts, yet current evidence is too weak to recommend changes to your diet.
Frontiers May 21, 2026
Narrative review on vitamin D and VDR in gastrointestinal and pulmonary diseases
Nutrition & Obesity Medicine Sys. Review
Narrative review on vitamin D and VDR in gastrointestinal and pulmonary diseases Vitamin D's Role in Gut and Lung Health Examined
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on vitamin D deficiency and VDR expression across gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions. The …
A review explores how vitamin D deficiency and VDR expression may influence digestive and respiratory diseases, but more research is needed.
Frontiers May 18, 2026
Systematic review and meta-analysis compares Rome III and Rome IV criteria for functional abdominal pain disorder prevalence
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis compares Rome III and Rome IV criteria for functional abdominal pain disorder prevalence New Rome IV rules show fewer people have functional abdominal pain compared to older guidelines
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the prevalence of functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD) and its subtypes using Rome I…
A big review found that using newer rules makes it look like fewer people have stomach pain problems. This change happens because the new ch…
May 15, 2026
Meta-analysis identifies genetic links between IBS and psychiatric traits in European ancestry populations
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis identifies genetic links between IBS and psychiatric traits in European ancestry populations New genes link gut pain to depression and anxiety risks
This meta-analysis examines genetic correlations between irritable bowel syndrome, major depressive disorder, and neuroticism in individuals…
A massive genetic study shows irritable bowel syndrome shares DNA roots with depression and anxiety, hinting at why gut pain often comes wit…
Frontiers May 14, 2026
Chinese Version of IBS-SSS Validated for Outcome Assessment in IBS Patients
Gastroenterology Guideline
Chinese Version of IBS-SSS Validated for Outcome Assessment in IBS Patients New Chinese Tool Measures Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Accurately
This guideline presents a validation study of the Chinese version of the IBS-SSS (IBS-SSS-C) in a Chinese population with IBS. The instrumen…
A new Chinese-language tool now accurately measures the severity of irritable bowel syndrome for millions of patients.
Frontiers May 9, 2026
Narrative review discusses NF-kB inhibition for inflammatory bowel diseases and related conditions
Gastroenterology Sys. Review
Narrative review discusses NF-kB inhibition for inflammatory bowel diseases and related conditions Blocking NF-κB May Ease Gut Inflammation in IBD
This narrative review explores the role of NF-kB pathway inhibition in treating inflammatory conditions.
A review finds that blocking a key inflammatory pathway could help treat Crohn's, colitis, and celiac disease.
Frontiers May 1, 2026

Questions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Are there specific risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome in Bangladeshi students?

Yes, in Bangladeshi students, the strongest risk factors for IBS are psychological distress, elevated BMI, and academic dissatisfaction, according to a machine-learning analysis.

Full answer →
What is the Chinese version of the IBS symptom severity scale?

The Chinese version of the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS-C) was developed through translation and cross-cultural adaptation, and has been validated for assessing IBS severity in Chinese populations.

Full answer →
Can acupuncture really help my irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?

Yes, acupuncture can help relieve IBS symptoms, especially abdominal pain and diarrhea, based on recent clinical trials showing significant improvement over sham acupuncture.

Full answer →

All Irritable Bowel Syndrome Articles