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VZV in the Enteric Nervous System: Pathogenesis and Consequences
NCT05550194 · View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Study Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the cause of chickenpox and shingles, but it also infects, becomes latent, and reactivates in nerve cells of the bowel to cause a gastrointestinal disorder ("enteric shingles"). The Investigators recently found that a chronic active VZV infection, a form of enteric shingles, is associated with achalasia, a severe disease in which the passage of food from esophagus to stomach is impaired. We now propose to eradicate VZV to determine whether its association with achalasia is causal, to identify the genetic basis behind VZV reactivation in the esophagus, and the relationship of mast cells to enteric shingles and abdominal pain.
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- BIOLOGICAL Shingrix
- DRUG ValACYclovir 1000 MG
Study Locations (1)
Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2023-03-27 |
| Est. Completion | 2026-08 |
| Phase | Phase 4 |
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Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT05550194
The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT05550194 describes a study currently listed as recruiting. It is categorized as Phase 4, which is the standard way researchers label where a study sits along the investigational pathway from early safety work through later efficacy and post-marketing evaluation. The registered enrollment target is 40 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect. The listed sponsor is Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which has 695 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov, and sponsors are the parties responsible for study design, oversight, and regulatory filings.
The record links to 1 condition, with Achalasia appearing as the primary indexed condition, and to 2 interventions — of which Shingrix is the first listed. Interventions can include drugs, devices, procedures, behavioral programs, or observational arms, and each is tracked as a separate registry field so that downstream queries can filter accurately. When a trial lists multiple interventions, it usually reflects a multi-arm design or a comparison protocol rather than a single treatment being tested in isolation. The brief summary published in the registry is the clearest source of protocol intent and should be read before drawing conclusions from any sidebar tags.
Geographic footprint matters for practical reasons: NCT05550194 reports 1 study location spanning 1 distinct geographic area — top geographies include Tennessee. A larger site network tends to correlate with broader recruitment capacity, but it does not imply anything about study quality, and site-level enrollment status can diverge from the overall registry status shown above. Every data point on this page comes from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset and is reproduced here for reference only; it is not a medical recommendation, an endorsement of the sponsor, or an invitation to enroll. Verify current status, eligibility criteria, and contact details directly at ClinicalTrials.gov, and discuss any participation decision with your own healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT05550194 about?
NCT05550194 is a clinical study titled "VZV in the Enteric Nervous System: Pathogenesis and Consequences". Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the cause of chickenpox and shingles, but it also infects, becomes latent, and reactivates in nerve cells of the bowel to cause a gastrointestinal disorder ("enteric shingles"). The Investigators recently found that a chronic active VZV infection, a form of enteric sh...
What is the current status of trial NCT05550194?
This trial is currently recruiting. It is a Phase 4 study. The enrollment target is 40 participants. The study started on 2023-03-27. Estimated completion is 2026-08.
What conditions does trial NCT05550194 study?
This clinical trial studies the following conditions: Achalasia. These conditions were identified from the trial registry and reflect the primary focus areas of the research.
What interventions are being tested in trial NCT05550194?
The interventions under investigation include: Shingrix (BIOLOGICAL), ValACYclovir 1000 MG (DRUG). Each intervention is being evaluated for safety and efficacy as part of this clinical study.
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT05550194?
This trial is sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which has 695 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The sponsor is responsible for the study's design, funding, and regulatory compliance.
Where is trial NCT05550194 being conducted?
This trial has 1 study location across Tennessee. Contact the study sites directly through ClinicalTrials.gov for enrollment availability.
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