Celiac Trials Seek Celiac Cure

Twenty new medications are currently in clinical trials to treat celiac disease, a condition that damages the small intestine. While these investigatory treatments offer a path toward a cure, none has yet replaced the strict gluten-free diet required by patients.

Dr. Daniel Meltzer, an emergency room physician in Boise, distinguishes between general gluten intolerance and celiac disease. He notes that gluten is a protein that is difficult for many bodies to digest. According to Dr. Meltzer, about 10 percent of people have some form of gluten intolerance, while only about 1 percent have celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction. Unlike simple intolerance, it triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine. Dr. Meltzer describes the resulting symptoms as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. He calls the physical sensation really uncomfortable for those living with the condition.

Diagnosis requires medical testing rather than guesswork. Doctors advise patients to undergo blood tests and an intestinal biopsy before removing gluten from their meals. The Mayo Clinic warns that avoiding gluten can alter test results, making accurate diagnosis difficult if the diet changes first.

Researchers are actively working to develop treatments that go beyond dietary restrictions. Dr. Meltzer states that scientists are currently studying about 20 different medications. He emphasizes that as of today, there is no cure, so the gluten-free diet remains the standard of care.

For now, individuals diagnosed with celiac disease must continue to avoid gluten to prevent intestinal damage. The ongoing clinical trials represent the primary avenue for future medical intervention.