Beyond Celiac, a leading catalyst in the search for a celiac disease cure, is intensifying its efforts to achieve a breakthrough by 2030. This initiative aims to provide effective treatment options for the 3.2 million children and adults diagnosed with celiac disease, allowing them to live healthy lives without the constant fear of gluten exposure.
National Celiac Awareness Day
Observed annually on September 13, National Celiac Awareness Day commemorates Dr. Samuel Gee, who first identified the link between celiac disease and diet. His work laid the foundation for understanding the disease and the importance of dietary management.
The Limitations of Current Treatment
Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a 100% gluten-free diet. However, this approach has significant limitations. According to Alice Bast, founder and CEO of Beyond Celiac, 20% of children on a gluten-free diet do not heal, and adults adhering to the diet still show signs of long-term health damage. Furthermore, 44% of individuals with celiac disease report experiencing gluten exposure each month, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a strict diet.
Strategic Investments in Research
Beyond Celiac is actively engaging with top scientists and investing in research to discover a cure. This year, the organization launched Beyond Celiac Investments (BCI), a venture philanthropy program designed to accelerate the development of new treatments. BCI has identified several promising treatments, including those initially developed for other conditions that could benefit celiac disease patients. "BCI has raised $1.5 million toward its $2 million initial 2024 goal and expects to make its first one or two investments before year-end," Bast added.
Collaboration with the FDA
In June, the Beyond Celiac Coalition, a partnership of multidisciplinary stakeholders, met with the FDA to discuss strategies for making clinical trials more patient-centric. The goal is to address barriers that hinder patient participation, such as invasive procedures and debilitating activities required by many current study protocols. This collaborative approach aims to maintain scientific rigor while ensuring that patient needs and experiences are central to the research process. "This was a pivotal meeting because key stakeholders heard directly from people living with celiac disease about how the disease and the gluten-free diet affect their quality of life," Bast said.
The Path to a Cure
Beyond Celiac believes that a cure, defined as real treatment options that allow individuals with celiac disease to live healthy lives and eat without fear, is achievable by 2030. This goal requires a strategic approach to funding focused research and fostering strategic partnerships. The organization is committed to driving diagnosis and accelerating the discovery of new treatments to improve the lives of those affected by celiac disease.
