Study of Nitazoxanide Tablets in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Active Crohn's Disease

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nitazoxanide compared to a placebo in reducing the signs and symptoms of mild to moderate active Crohn's disease in adults.

There is a significant need for a safe and effective treatment of Crohn's disease. It is recognized that bacteria in the gut lumen may have a role in the etiology and/or symptoms of this disease. Antimicrobials have often been used in treating Crohn's disease although their effectiveness has not been well established. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also believed to play an important role in this disease. Nitazoxanide, a thiazolide anti-infective, is active in vitro against a broad spectrum of anaerobic bacteria, and it inhibits secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-2, -4, -5, -6, -8, -10 and TNF alpha. The drug is also highly concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract. With these characteristics, nitazoxanide offers a unique approach to treatment of Crohn's disease.