Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) Clinical Trials and Treatments

Short Bowel Syndrome results from loss of sufficient small intestinal length or function, typically defined as less than 150-200 cm of functioning small bowel (normal is 300-600 cm). The loss of absorptive surface area leads to malabsorption of water, electrolytes, nutrients, and medications. The severity depends on the length and location of remaining bowel (duodenum and jejunum preferentially absorb certain nutrients and are more crucial than ileum), whether the colon is present (colonic presence improves prognosis), and intestinal adaptation.

The most common symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome include Chronic severe diarrhea, Malabsorption with nutrient deficiencies, Abdominal pain and cramping, Nausea and loss of appetite, Steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling stools), among others. Estimated 40,000-50,000 people in the United States; incidence 3-5 cases per million per year. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Short Bowel Syndrome from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Research in Short Bowel Syndrome is advancing toward reducing dependence on parenteral nutrition through strategies that enhance intestinal adaptation and absorption. Proven approaches including growth hormone therapy and glutamine supplementation support the adaptation process, while teduglutide (a glucagon-like peptide 2 analog) now FDA-approved specifically works to promote intestinal mucosal growth and regeneration.

As of September 2026, Trial Friend's curated drug index does not include an FDA-approved treatment specific to Short Bowel Syndrome. The Treatments section of this page checks FDA drug labels live and lists any approved drug whose label names the condition, and the trials listed below cover the investigational options.

Short Bowel Syndrome is an acquired condition, not an inherited one. Almost always follows surgical removal of small intestine (necrotizing enterocolitis or birth defects in infants; Crohn's disease, ischemia or trauma in adults). Estimated 40,000-50,000 people in the United States; incidence 3-5 cases per million per year.

Eligibility for Short Bowel Syndrome clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Short Bowel Syndrome clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.