The MIRO II (Microbial Restoration) Study
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Professor Michael Kamm
Project Details
Faecal Microbiota Transplanation (FMT) in Crohn’s Disease: The MIRO II (Microbial Restoration) Study
Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases are usually treated with drug therapy. While this gets most patients better and keeps them better, some patients do not respond or do not wish to take medicines that suppress their immune system. They will have to live with their condition remaining active and troublesome, while others will require an operation.
A new approach to treatment is emerging, and our team of researchers is at the global forefront of this research.
The bacteria in the gut, which drive the soreness of the bowel in these conditions, can be replaced by gut bacteria from healthy people. We have recently concluded a world-first study - The FOCUS Study using faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT or poo transplant) to treat ulcerative colitis. This study was published in the world’s highest rated medical journal, The Lancet in 2017.
The FOCUS study demonstrated that faecal microbiota transplantation can heal the bowel in some patients, providing a potential alternative to drug therapy.
This research was recently presented at the world’s foremost annual gastroenterology meetings in Europe and the US. It was the highest rated of several thousand presentations.
Parallel scientific FOCUS studies have identified which bacteria in the faecal transplant make this a successful therapy. This work was published in the world’s leading specialist journal, Gastroenterology.
Our clinicians and scientists are now undertaking The MIRO II Study (Microbial Restoration in Crohn’s Disease) to examine further the efficacy of FMT for treatment and maintenance of disease remission in a range of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers
Professor Michael Kamm – Group Leader
Dr. Chamara Basnayake - Gastroenterologist
Dr Sasha Fehily – Gastroenterologist and PhD Fellow
Dr. Amy Hamilton – Clinical Scientist
Ms. Annalise Stanley – Research Nurse
Ms. Erin Russell – Research Dietitian
Dr. Emily Wright – Gastroenterologist
Dr. Amy Wilson-O’Brien – Clinical Scientist
Collaborators
Dr Sam Costello and Dr Robert Bryant - The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide
Professor Mark Morrison – The University of Queensland and The Diamantina Institute, Brisbane
Funding
NHMRC – Dr. Sasha Fehily
NHMRC – Dr. Emily Wright
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helamley Charitable Trust
Research Publications
The gut microbiota and gut disease.
Fehily SR, Basnayake C, Wright EK, Kamm MA.Intern Med J. 2021 Oct;51(10):1594-1604. doi: 10.1111/imj.15520.PMID: 34664371
Fecal microbiota transplantation therapy in Crohn's disease: Systematic review.
Fehily SR, Basnayake C, Wright EK, Kamm MA.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Oct;36(10):2672-2686. doi: 10.1111/jgh.15598. Epub 2021 Jul 6.PMID: 34169565
Research Group
School Research Themes
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.
Department / Centre
Node
St Vincent's Hospital
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