GI & Liver case studies

We set out to deliver a new MRI diagnostic test of slow transit constipation, providing an objective measure of whole gut transit time and high-quality images of the colon-rectum, available early in the clinical pathway.  This would help to explain to patients the nature of their gut problems and to guide therapy decisions.

Our NIHR i4i project called the MAGIC1 (MAGnetic resonance Imaging in paediatric Constipation, led to the development of TransiCap pills – smaller than the size of a tic-tac – which are safe for use in children. Having developed the idea, we patented the methods (8 patents granted) and secured an international trademark.

The project was then awarded a second round of NIHR i4i funding (2019, MAGIC2) to build an evidence base to enable its broader adoption. However, this study was hampered by Covid-19.

Despite this, the team regrouped and recently received a third round of NIHR i4i funding (2024, MAGIC3) to collect data from patients (children and adults) and then submit for medical device regulatory approval.  We expect this technique to become a standard way to measure gut transit times in patients.

Getting the project to this stage was only made possible via a large-scale collaboration with the BRCs across the nation leading to participant engagement and working with NIHR infrastructure including the paediatric HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Sheffield, and the Nottingham Clinical Research Facility.

We expect this approach will save the NHS money by reducing repeated consultations, trial and error treatments and will increase patient satisfaction. This work will also drive new clinical guidelines and pathways.