Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gut disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits — either diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between them — without any structural damage. It affects around 10% of people globally and is one of the most common reasons for gastroenterology visits.
What's actually going on in research
The gut microbiome is a central focus: rifaximin (an antibiotic that acts in the gut without absorbing into the blood) and fecal microbiota transplant are being tested in IBS-D. Drugs targeting gut-brain signaling pathways — including serotonin receptors, opioid receptors, and mast cell stabilizers — are in development. Digital CBT programs specifically targeting the gut-brain axis in IBS have shown effectiveness comparable to medication in trials.
Microbiome therapies
Rifaximin reshapes the gut microbiome in IBS-diarrhea, and fecal microbiota transplant trials are investigating whether donor stool can normalize gut bacteria and improve symptoms durably.
Gut-brain axis drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, serotonin receptor modulators, and drugs targeting intestinal permeability are being tested to address the visceral hypersensitivity driving IBS pain.
Digital gut-brain therapy
App-delivered and therapist-guided gut-directed hypnotherapy and CBT programs show strong improvements in IBS pain and quality of life and are being validated in sham-controlled trials.
What to know before you search
Eligibility requires IBS diagnosis by Rome IV criteria with specified subtype (IBS-D, IBS-C, or IBS-M), symptom severity, and exclusion of inflammatory bowel disease.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Testing new IBS medications targeting gut motility, visceral sensitivity, microbiome, or intestinal permeability.
- Microbiome trials — Evaluating rifaximin, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplant for IBS subtypes.
- Dietary trials — Testing low-FODMAP diet, gluten-free diet, and fiber supplements in different IBS subtypes.
- Behavioral therapy trials — Comparing gut-directed hypnotherapy, CBT, and mindfulness for IBS symptoms.
- Device and technology trials — Testing digital therapeutics, gut monitoring wearables, and biofeedback for IBS management.
Recently added Irritable Bowel Syndrome trials
A Prospective Trial of a Variable Compression System for Moderate to Severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This prospective, interventional trial is intended to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Variable Compression System (VCS) device for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This pilot study will enroll 20 subjects who will be required to wear the VCS device for a minimum of 6 hours a day and follow up at 21 days, 8 weeks, and 6 months post-device administration.
Gut Microbiome in Patients With Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Observational, multicenter, prospective study aimed at characterizing the gut microbiome in patients with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) using whole genome sequencing (WGS). The study will compare microbiome composition and function between PI-IBS patients and two control groups (post-infectious subjects without irritable bowel syndrome -IBS- and healthy controls), with the goal of identifying reproducible microbial signatures and target taxa associated with disease and symptom severity.
Find Irritable Bowel Syndrome trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.