Adherent-invasive E. coli, or AIEC, are bacteria that are abnormally abundant in the gut of individuals with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. To determine whether targeting AIEC could help relieve symptoms of Crohn’s disease, researchers recently explored the possibility of simply making these bacteria less sticky. The team applied a compound known as TAK-018 to gut samples gathered from patients. TAK-018 binds to the bacterial adhesin FimH, blocking bacteria clinging and interaction with cells along the intestinal wall. Tests revealed that TAK-018 not only prevented AIEC bacteria from adhering to intestinal tissue but also reduced inflammation, helping preserve the integrity of this important barrier. While more work is needed to understand how TAK-018 operates in the body, the drug is known to be safe and well-tolerated in patients and is currently undergoing phase II testing for the treatment of Crohn’s disease.