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FOCUS and MIRO Studies - The Power of Poo

Faecal Microbiota Transplantation can Heal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

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 worlds highest rated medical journal, The Lancet in 2017.

This trial 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.

Our scientists, together with scientists in New York, are studying which bacteria in the faecal transplant make this to be a successful therapy.

Our clinicians and scientists are now undertaking The MIRO Study (Microbial Restoration in IBD) to examine the efficacy of FMT for treatment and maintenance of disease remission in IBD.

Together with colleagues in Australia and the USA we are also investigating simplified forms of faecal transplant such as pre-prepared capsules.

Poo is emerging as a powerful therapy.

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PROFESSOR MICHAEL KAMM
PROFESSOR OF

GASTROENTEROLOGY
The University of Melbourne and 

St Vincent’s Hospital
 

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DR. CHAMARA BASNAYAKE

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

St Vincent’s Hospital
and The University of Melbourne

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DR. EMILY WRIGHT

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

St Vincent’s Hospital
and The University of Melbourne

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DR. SASHA FEHILY

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

St Vincent’s Hospital
and The University of Melbourne

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MS. ANNALISE STANLEY RESEARCH NURSE SPECIALIST

University of Melbourne,

St Vincent’s Hospital
 

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DR. AMY WILSON-O'BRIEN

CLINICAL SCIENTIST

University of Melbourne,

St Vincent’s Hospital
 

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DR. AMY HAMILTON

CLINICAL SCIENTIST

University of Melbourne,

St Vincent’s Hospital
 

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