A clinical trial is currently being conducted at the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane for a novel treatment aimed at coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects about 20% of Australians. Those diagnosed with this condition experience intolerable reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, which can lead to significant damage to the small intestine and hinder nutrient absorption.
At present, there is no cure for coeliac disease, and management is limited to a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals, complicating diagnosis; common complaints include nausea, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. If untreated, the disease can result in serious health complications such as osteoporosis, liver, and heart issues, as well as an increased risk of certain cancers.
Gluten is prevalent in many staple foods, including bread, pasta, and cereals, as well as less obvious sources like beer, Vegemite, and soy sauce. This prevalence can make selecting safe foods and eating out a challenging task for patients. Dr James Daveson from the Wesley Research Institute explains that individuals with coeliac disease mistakenly identify gluten as a foreign substance and mount an immune response against it—a response that does not affect those without the condition.
Dr Daveson further highlights that current dietary guidelines may not be as effective as previously thought, leading to an overwhelming burden for sufferers who must consider gluten content in every meal they consume.
The new treatment involves administering two doses of an innovative molecule aimed at dampening the body’s immune reaction to gluten. Dr Daveson elaborates that this therapy seeks to modulate the immune response to gluten by turning off specific cells involved in the negative reaction.
This trial represents a potential shift in managing coeliac disease, moving beyond strict dietary restrictions towards a therapeutic approach that could significantly improve the lives of those affected by this challenging autoimmune condition.