Not yet recruitingObservational

A healthy volunteer imaging study to test two new tablet formulations designed to release in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine)

This study is testing two new types of dummy (placebo) tablets. These tablets are designed to release their contents in the duodenum, which is the first section of your small intestine. Delivering medicines directly to this area might help some drugs work better. The tablets don't contain any active medicine, but they do have a tiny amount of radiation, allowing doctors to track their journey through your body using special scans. The aim is to see how these new tablets behave, how quickly they leave your stomach, and exactly where and when they release their contents. This information will help develop more effective medicines in the future for people who need them.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

BDD Pharma Ltd

Enrolment target

Start

13 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

21 Aug 2026

Duodenal drug delivery

What is this study about?

This research study is about finding better ways to deliver medicines to specific parts of your body. Think of it like a special delivery service for drugs! The team wants to test two new types of dummy tablets that are designed to open up and release their contents in the duodenum. This is the very first part of your small intestine, right after your stomach. For some medicines, getting them to release exactly here could make them work much better.

The tablets used in this study are placebos, which means they don't contain any actual medicine. Instead, they have a very tiny, safe amount of a special substance that allows doctors to see them using a type of scanner called a gamma scintigraphy. This is similar to other medical scans you might have heard of.

By tracking these tablets, the researchers want to learn several things: how quickly the tablets leave your stomach, where in your gut they release their contents, and when this happens. This information is really important for developing new and improved medicines in the future, even though these specific tablets are just for testing and don't contain real medication themselves.

Key takeaways

Tests new dummy tablets for medicine delivery in the small intestine.
Uses special scans to track tablet journeys in the body.
Study involves up to 8 healthy male and female volunteers aged 18+.
Requires 5 visits to Glasgow Royal Infirmary over 3-7 weeks.
No direct personal health benefits, but helps future medicine development.
Exposure to a low, safe dose of radiation for tracking.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for up to eight healthy adult volunteers, both men and women, who are 18 years old or older. You should be in good general health, which will be checked by the study doctor. This includes having a physical exam, checking your blood pressure, heart rhythm, and some blood tests.

Your weight should be within a certain range (your Body Mass Index, or BMI, needs to be between 18 and 32). It’s also really important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to follow all the study rules and appointments.

For family planning, men participating in the study must agree not to donate sperm and either avoid sexual intercourse or use condoms effectively if their partner could become pregnant. Women cannot be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to donate eggs.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you generally healthy (no serious medical conditions)?
Is your weight (BMI) within the healthy range of 18 to 32?
Are you willing and able to attend five appointments in Glasgow?
If you are male, are you willing to follow specific family planning rules for 90 days after the study?
If you are female, are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to donate eggs?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to attend five appointments at the BDD clinical trial site, located at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Your involvement in the study will last for a total of between 3 and 7 weeks. Before you take any study tablets, you'll be given a special liquid with a small amount of radiation, which helps the researchers get a clear picture of your digestive system's shape.

During the study, you will receive two different dummy tablets on separate visit days. One will be called Treatment A (Prototype 1) and the other Treatment B (Prototype 2). Both tablets will contain that small, safe amount of radiation so they can be tracked. After taking each tablet, you will have special scans to follow its journey through your stomach and small intestine.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal health benefits to you from taking part in this study. However, the information gathered could be very important for the development of new and better medicines for other people in the future. As part of tracking the tablets, you will be exposed to a small amount of radiation. This dose is similar to what you might receive during common medical scans and is considered low. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

BDD Pharma
City only
Glasgow, Scotland

Common questions

What happens if I change my mind during the study?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Will I be given real medicine in this study?

No, the tablets used in this study are placebos (dummy tablets) and don't contain any active medicine.

How much radiation will I be exposed to?

You will receive a small amount of radiation, similar to that used in routine medical scans, which is considered low risk.

How long will I need to be involved?

Your participation will last between 3 and 7 weeks in total, requiring five visits to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Will I be paid for taking part?

The study information doesn't specify if you will be paid. You should ask the study team about this.

How to find out more

Ewen Brennan

ewen.brennan@bddpharma.com +44 141 552 8791 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.