Zimmermann Research

Currently Enrolling Studies:

Magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging (MT-MRI) as a non-invasive method of assessing fibrotic intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease

The purpose of this study is to test whether a specific imaging sequence used during an MRI scan, called an MT-MRI, could be used as a non-invasive method for differentiating between fibrotic (scarring) and inflammatory intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease. Being able to detect the difference between fibrosis and inflammation would lead to better knowledge of how to treat that patient. Having a non-invasive means of monitoring disease progression and development of fibrosis would be useful in determining when patients would benefit from starting different therapies, so as to decrease or prevent permanent intestinal fibrosis without unduly exposing patients to side effects of serious medications.

Cimzia® Registry

This is a registry study to collect information on the long-term use and safety of Cimzia® as compared to other Crohn's disease medications prescribed by your doctor in routine clinical practice. Patients enrolled in this study will complete surveys about their social and medical history. Additionally, at your regularly scheduled office visits, you will be asked to provide information regarding your CD symptoms and other relevant information about your health and medications. UCB Inc. is the sponsor for this study. Patients who have been prescribed Cimzia® by their physician to treat CD are able to participate in this study.

Tysabri® Registry

This is a registry study to collect information on the long-term use and safety of Tysabri® as compared to other Crohn's disease medications prescribed by your doctor in routine clinical practice. Elan Pharmaceuticals is the sponsor of this study. Eligible patients are those who have been prescribed Tysabri® by their physician for the treatment of Crohn's disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Databank

In this study we collect information on patients with IBD and their family. We are interested in the demographics, genetics, and extent of disease at this time. Participants in this study give a blood sample for genetic analysis, take surveys bi-annually, and have intestinal tissue collected during colonoscopies. In the future, we plan to collect stool samples as well. The goals of this study are to find out what factors put people at risk of having Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which risk factors make people more likely to have specific types of disease or more severe disease, and to better understand how the immune system works in people with IBD. Adults with IBD and their family are welcome to participate.

Dr. Zimmermann's research interests:

  • Molecular mechanism of fibrosis in Crohn's disease. The goal of this project is to determine the molecular mechanism of fibrosis in Crohn's disease using animal and cell culture models of the disease.
  • Noninvasive method to detect fibrosis in Crohn's disease patients. The goal of this translational project is to develop methods to noninvasively detect fibrosis. This method will be used to monitor the natural history of Crohn's disease and determine the ability of new medications to alter the natural history of the disease.
  • Genotype vs. phenotype associations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The goal of this project is to determine how NOD2 and other mutations affect the development of fibrosis in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis using in vitro and in vivo systems.
  • Drug targeting in IBD. The goal of this work is to more effectively deliver drugs to regions of bowel inflammation using the oral route. This is aimed at decreasing systemic side effects of immunosuppressive medications.
  • Delivery of clinical care to IBD patients. Several prospective and retrospective projects examine pathogenesis, disease assessment, disease complications, and therapy outcomes in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A special area of interest is in care of college students with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.