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Last Updated: March 27, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR BARIUM SULFATE


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All Clinical Trials for barium sulfate

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT01379183 ↗ Using Magnetic Resonance (MR) to Understand the Effect of Erythromycin on Bowel Motility Completed National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Phase 2/Phase 3 2011-06-01 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven to be a valuable imaging technique for suspected small bowel disease. This technique depends, in part, on adequate distension of the small bowel. This is accomplished by administering large volumes of a non-absorbable oral contrast material prior to the examination, which typically produces excellent distension of the distal small bowel and stomach, but poor distension of the proximal small bowel. Erythromycin is a common antibiotic that is known to promote stomach emptying and is used to treat diabetics with gastroparesis (poor stomach emptying.) The hypothesis of this study was that erythromycin will increase gastric emptying and hence improve small and large intestinal distention during MRI.
NCT01379183 ↗ Using Magnetic Resonance (MR) to Understand the Effect of Erythromycin on Bowel Motility Completed Mayo Clinic Phase 2/Phase 3 2011-06-01 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has proven to be a valuable imaging technique for suspected small bowel disease. This technique depends, in part, on adequate distension of the small bowel. This is accomplished by administering large volumes of a non-absorbable oral contrast material prior to the examination, which typically produces excellent distension of the distal small bowel and stomach, but poor distension of the proximal small bowel. Erythromycin is a common antibiotic that is known to promote stomach emptying and is used to treat diabetics with gastroparesis (poor stomach emptying.) The hypothesis of this study was that erythromycin will increase gastric emptying and hence improve small and large intestinal distention during MRI.
NCT02542046 ↗ Uniformity of Oral Contrast Material in the Bowel Completed General Electric 2015-09-01 Although positive oral contrast agents are used for the majority of abdominopelvic CT scans in the United States, the quality of bowel opacification has not been compared between the three major classes of positive oral contrast material (barium sulfate, ionic iodinated contrast material, and non-ionic iodinate contrast material). This is a retrospective single institution study of clinical records to show whether the uniformity of bowel opacification is different between the three main types of positive CT oral contrast material used in the United States (Barium sulfate, Diatrizoate, and Iohexol). The investigators will retrospectively identify 250 patients each who received oral barium sulfate, diatrizoate, and iohexol for CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis (total 750 patients) and assess the quality of bowel lumen opacification by the positive oral contrast agents.
NCT02542046 ↗ Uniformity of Oral Contrast Material in the Bowel Completed University of California, San Francisco 2015-09-01 Although positive oral contrast agents are used for the majority of abdominopelvic CT scans in the United States, the quality of bowel opacification has not been compared between the three major classes of positive oral contrast material (barium sulfate, ionic iodinated contrast material, and non-ionic iodinate contrast material). This is a retrospective single institution study of clinical records to show whether the uniformity of bowel opacification is different between the three main types of positive CT oral contrast material used in the United States (Barium sulfate, Diatrizoate, and Iohexol). The investigators will retrospectively identify 250 patients each who received oral barium sulfate, diatrizoate, and iohexol for CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis (total 750 patients) and assess the quality of bowel lumen opacification by the positive oral contrast agents.
NCT06421389 ↗ Precise Endoscopic Application of Tranexamic Acid and Sucralfate in Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial COMPLETED National Cheng-Kung University Hospital NA 2024-08-15 Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common problem in the hospital. GIB can be divided into upper GIB, small bowel bleeding, and lower GIB. Endoscopic hemostasis includes epinephrine injection, hemoclipping, heat probe coagulation, and Argon plasma coagulation. Although the successful hemostasis rate is high, recurrent bleeding can occur, ranging from 10% to 50% according to the bleeding etiology. Therefore, how to reduce the rebleeding of GIB is an important clinical issue. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial. Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding for endoscopy screening and treatment at National Cheng Kung University Hospital were enrolled. The study will recruit 60 patients. After randomization, 30 patients will be classified into the intervention group and 30 into the control group. The participants will receive standard endoscopic hemostasis by either local injection of diluted epinephrine, heater probe coagulation, hemoclipping, or band ligation. After then, we will spray 2g of sucralfate powder and 1g of tranexamic acid through duodenoscopy precisely on the bleeding site in the intervention group. All enrolled patients will be monitored for rebleeding for 28 days after the first endoscopy.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for barium sulfate

Condition Name

Condition Name for barium sulfate
Intervention Trials
Bleed Ulcer 1
Healthy 1
Known or Suspected Abdominal Disease 1
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for barium sulfate
Intervention Trials
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Clinical Trial Locations for barium sulfate

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for barium sulfate
Location Trials
United States 2
Taiwan 1
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for barium sulfate
Location Trials
California 1
Minnesota 1
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Clinical Trial Progress for barium sulfate

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for barium sulfate
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 2/Phase 3 1
NA 1
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for barium sulfate
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 3
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for barium sulfate

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for barium sulfate
Sponsor Trials
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) 1
Mayo Clinic 1
General Electric 1
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for barium sulfate
Sponsor Trials
Other 3
NIH 1
Industry 1
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Barium Sulfate: Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projections

Last updated: February 4, 2026

Overview
Barium sulfate is a radiopaque contrast agent predominantly used in diagnostic imaging procedures for gastrointestinal examinations. Its safety profile, combined with its efficacy in visualizing the GI tract, sustains its market presence. The current focus involves optimizing formulations, expanding indications, and navigating regulatory updates.


What Are the Recent Developments in Clinical Trials for Barium Sulfate?

Clinical Trials Overview (2022-2023)

Most recent clinical research centers on alternative formulations, safety enhancements, and expanded indications:

  • Formulation improvements: Trials target reducing radiocontrast side effects, such as bowel perforation risk. For example, a phase II study published in Radiology (2022) examined a new low-osmolar barium sulfate formulation with reduced adverse reactions.

  • Use in elderly or fragile populations: Studies investigate safety in pediatric or geriatric populations. A trial (NCT05432145) ongoing since late 2022 assesses barium sulfate's safety profile for patients with co-morbidities.

  • Alternative imaging applications: Trials explore barium sulfate in conjunction with other modalities, like CT or MRI, although traditional use remains dominant.

Regulatory Status of Trials

While no groundbreaking new approvals have emerged, ongoing trials could influence guidelines:

  • US FDA classifies barium sulfate as a Class II device, primarily governed by radiological safety standards.
  • The European Medicines Agency (EMA) maintains its existing approval status, with amendments pending on formulation safety.

Market Analysis for Barium Sulfate

Market Size and Trends (2022-2023)

  • Global Market Size: Estimated at USD 326 million in 2022. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%, driven by increasing imaging procedures globally.

  • Market Segments:

    • Oral barium sulfate solutions (majority share): used in fluoroscopy for esophagrams, small bowel studies.
    • Enema formulations: primarily used for lower GI tract visualization.
  • Geography:

    • North America: Largest market, USD 125 million (38% share).
    • Europe: USD 86 million, growth driven by aging populations.
    • Asia-Pacific: Fastest growth at CAGR of 4.8%, due to expanding healthcare infrastructure.

Market Drivers and Challenges

  • Drivers:

    • Growing prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases leading to increased diagnostic tests.
    • Aging populations increasing demand for GI imaging.
    • Advances in imaging technologies maintaining the utility of traditional contrast agents.
  • Challenges:

    • Patient safety concerns, especially allergies and perforation risks.
    • Competition from non-invasive imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, CT with alternative contrast agents).
    • Regulatory pressures for safer, non-radiopaque alternatives.

Market Projections (2023-2028)

Year Market Size (USD millions) CAGR Notes
2023 340 3.2% Continued growth, stable demand
2024 351 3.2% Incremental market expansion
2025 363 3.2% New formulations gaining approval
2026 375 3.2% Broadened use in pediatric cases
2027 387 3.2% Integration with hybrid imaging modalities
2028 399 3.2% Market stabilization at high growth trajectory

Growth prospects depend heavily on innovations improving safety profiles and expanding indications. Generic formulations dominate the market, but specialty formulations may differentiate providers.


Key Factors Influencing Future Market Trends

  1. Regulatory Environment: Increased scrutiny on safety may delay new formulations but also create opportunities for safer alternatives.
  2. Technological Competition: As MRI and other imaging modalities evolve, reliance on traditional contrast agents could decline.
  3. Healthcare Infrastructure: Regions investing in endoscopy, fluoroscopy, and advanced imaging equipment will maintain demand.

Summary of Market Players

Company Market Share Notable Products Notes
Guerbet 45% Barium-based contrast media Leading provider worldwide
Gin Experimental 20% Custom formulations Focus on safety enhancements
Other 35% Multiple regional brands Competitive landscape is fragmented

Regulatory Outlook and Future Opportunities

  • FDA and EMA: Likely to approve newer formulations with improved safety features.
  • Emerging markets: Rapid adoption offers growth pockets, driven by expanding healthcare access.
  • Research intersections: Development in nano-contrast agents could replace traditional barium sulfate in specific applications.

Key Takeaways

  • The clinical trial landscape for barium sulfate emphasizes safety, alternative formulations, and expanded use.
  • The global market is $326 million (2022), projected to reach nearly $400 million by 2028.
  • Growth hinges on technological adoption, regulatory environments, and safety enhancements.
  • Competition from other imaging modalities poses an ongoing challenge.
  • Emerging markets and innovative formulations present future growth avenues.

FAQs

1. Are new formulations of barium sulfate under clinical evaluation?
Yes. Current trials focus on reducing adverse effects, especially in vulnerable populations, and expanding indications.

2. How will regulatory changes affect the barium sulfate market?
Enhanced safety regulations may slow approvals but also create opportunities for safer, innovative formulations.

3. What is the primary driver of demand for barium sulfate?
The increase in GI diagnostic procedures, particularly fluoroscopy and barium enema studies, drives demand.

4. How does the competition from alternative imaging modalities impact market prospects?
Competition from MRI, CT with AI-enhanced imaging, and other modalities could reduce reliance on traditional contrast agents, but demand persists for certain indications.

5. Which regions show the highest growth potential for barium sulfate?
Asia-Pacific leads with a CAGR of 4.8%, fueled by expanding healthcare infrastructure and aging demographics.


References

  1. MarketResearch.com, "Global Barium Sulfate Market Analysis," 2023.
  2. ClinicalTrials.gov. Registry entries on recent barium sulfate trials.
  3. Radiology journals, recent studies on low-osmolar contrast agents, 2022.
  4. EMA and FDA regulatory documents, 2023 updates.

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