Future developments in celiac disease research.

Celiac disease is a chronic condition that currently has no cure.

Currently the only safe and 100% reliable treatment is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet (GFD). However, research and development of new treatments is ongoing and significant advances are expected in the near future. It would certainly be a great improvement in the quality of life for gluten-sensitive individuals.

On the research side, studies are underway to determine the underlying mechanisms of celiac disease and ways in which it can be prevented or treated.

One of the most promising areas of research is the development of a vaccine for celiac disease. Unfortunately the development of the most promising vaccine (Nexvax2) was discontinued in phase 2 because of unsatisfactory results. Several studies are ongoing to develop a vaccine that desensitizes, or induces immune system tolerance to gliadin, the protein in gluten that triggers the autoimmune response in people with celiac disease.

Also the drug Larazotide Acetate, the first and only investigation to reach Phase 3 was discontinued for not having enough individuals in the trial to support the results. Depending on the final analysis of the data collected, the continuation of the research will be determined.

New drug therapies for celiac disease being explored include the use of enzymes that break down gluten in the digestive system. This is one of the most promising treatments. These enzymes may help prevent the autoimmune reaction that occurs in people with celiac disease when they consume gluten-containing foods. There are currently several open investigations in phase 1 and 2 development with this therapeutic approach.

Another focus in celiac disease research is the identification of biomarkers that can predict the risk of developing the disease in people with a genetic predisposition. Biological markers may be useful in identifying individuals who are at increased risk of developing the disease, which could allow early intervention and preventive treatment.

In terms of current treatments, advances are being made in improving the quality of gluten-free foods. Most gluten-free foods currently available on the market contain varying amounts of gluten, which can be problematic for people with celiac disease. Studies are underway to develop more accurate methods to detect and measure the amount of gluten in foods, which may help reduce the risk of accidental exposure to gluten.

Are rapid tests reliable?

This is an area of current research and development. Increasingly, new product options are coming to market that seek to diagnose celiac disease or detect gluten in foods and surfaces. It is fair to say that their level of accuracy is increasing.

Rapid tests to detect gluten in food are already common in the market, but the use for detecting celiac disease is still controversial. Some gluten-specific antibody tests have been used as an aid in the diagnosis of celiac disease and to verify compliance with the gluten-free diet.

The major concern with rapid tests for gluten in people with celiac disease is that they can generate false negatives or f