CHINA TOPIX

12/23/2024 09:06:57 am

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New Celiac Disease Medication in the Works

Celiac Awareness

(Photo : Creative Commons: Flickr)

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder occurring in genetically predisposed individuals that damages the small intestine. Those suffering from this condition aren't allowed to consume food and beverages containing gluten.

Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities affect about 1 in every 100 people worldwide. In the United States alone, it's estimated there are about 2.5 million undiagnosed Americans at risk of developing more serious and severe long-term health problems due to the disease.

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The worst part about this condition is there's only one treatment option available: a Gluten-Free diet.

This diet eliminates all food and beverages containing gluten. It's long been used and recommended for patients.

As for medicines to counter celiac disease, these continue to be explored but progress has been limited. A person with celiac disease faces damage to the intestines caused by the immune response.

A team of scientists from Denmark and Norway has published a new study detailing the body's immune response to gluten, and are reported to be getting closer to developing a new drug.

They believe they've discovered how the body reacts to gluten by studying enzyme activity. They said understanding this mechanism will help them develop a drug capable of stopping this immune response or preventing the body from reacting to gluten.

They hope that more information about the body's reaction to gluten will shed more light on how to stop celiac disease.

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