A Study of Varenicline in the Treatment of Visceral Sensation

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of varenicline on rectal sensation, based on ascending method of limits and on graded rapid phasic distensions in participants with non-constipation IBS and chronic abdominal pain.

Condition

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 70 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  1. Participants will be 18-70 years of age 2. Irritable bowel syndrome with pain, but no constipation [that is IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-M (mixed), or IBS-U (unspecified)]

Exclusion Criteria

  1. Diagnosis of moderate-severe depression as per HADS>8 2. Alcohol or illicit substance dependence or abuse in the past 12 months 3. Dementia, unprovoked seizure history, seizure disorder 4. Pregnancy (all women of childbearing potential will be required to have a negative pregnancy test prior to initiation, and will be on a highly effective method of contraception, as detailed in the consent form) 5. Significant change or increase in antidepressant or pain medications within the last four weeks; significant change in primary treatment interventions for pain in the past four weeks 6. Medically unstable 7. Severe hepatic or renal impairment, such as baseline AST or ALT >2.5 X upper normal limit or end-stage renal disease with estimated glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance <15 mL/min 8. Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply. Eligibility last updated 12/27/2024. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Study Design

Phase
Phase 1
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Sequential Assignment
Intervention Model Description
To evaluate the effect of varenicline on rectal sensation, based on ascending method of limits and on graded rapid phasic distensions in participants with non-constipation IBS and chronic abdominal pain
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Varenicicline
Varenicline is a α4β2 and α6β2 partial agonist. Varenicline (Chantix) is an FDA-approved partial agonist at α4β2 and α6β2 nAChRs with documented efficacy in the management of chronic pain associated with opioid withdrawal
  • Drug: Varenicline
    Initial, 0.5 mg orally once daily for 3 days, then 0.5 mg every 12 hours on days 4 through 7, and then 1 mg in morning of day 8. Medication is taken after eating and with a full glass of water.

Recruiting Locations

Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota 55905
Contact:
Irene Busciglio, BS
507-284-2511
busciglio.irene@mayo.edu

More Details

NCT ID
NCT06854406
Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Mayo Clinic