ECM Therapeutics Reports Promising Results in Fistula Repair Study

WARRENDALE, Pa., Oct. 13, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- ECM Therapeutics has announced promising early clinical results for its extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel, ECMT-100, in the treatment of anorectal fistulas. The ongoing feasibility study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center has shown significant improvement in patients treated with the hydrogel.

The study, which is single-arm and FDA approved, has treated 22 patients with follow-up periods ranging from 8 weeks to 10 months. These patients had setons in place for periods ranging from 4 months to 8 years before receiving ECMT-100. According to the study’s principal investigators, David Medich, M.D., and Matthew Z. Wilson, M.D., all treated patients have shown improvement, with complete or near-complete healing observed.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Quality Collaborative, an initiative that will be featured at its 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting, is focused on improving fistula care. ECM Therapeutics aims to translate the potential of its ECM technology into better care for patients who have had limited options for lasting fistula repair.

ECMT-100 is a hydrogel composed of complete, acellular ECM, the natural framework that supports maintenance and restoration of healthy tissue. The flowable form of the hydrogel allows for rapid catheter delivery into the fistula tract, where it conforms to the tract’s shape and provides support for rapid and sustained tissue repair. This approach avoids the need for invasive surgery, which can be a prolonged and painful process for patients.

The treatment of anorectal fistulas is an area of significant unmet clinical need. Patients often face prolonged seton drainage, repeat surgery, and a compromised quality of life. ECMT-100 offers a potential solution by providing a non-invasive and effective treatment option.

The company’s ECM technology is built on more than three decades of research led by co-founder Dr. Stephen Badylak and technology licensed from the University of Pittsburgh. ECM Therapeutics has already developed FORMatrix™, an FDA-cleared hydrogel for wound management, which has laid the groundwork for ECMT-100.

These early results from the ongoing study at UPMC and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center are a significant step forward in the treatment of anorectal fistulas, offering hope to patients who have faced limited options for lasting healing.