The celiac disease vaccine enters phase 3

Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disease that causes damage to intestinal microvilli when gluten is consumed.

There is no real cure for celiac disease, a celiac pill that works magic. However, Northwestern University researchers plan to change that with a celiac disease vaccine that "immunizes" the patient.

We are very close

After the second phase of the tests started in August, the results continue to be among the best.

How the vaccine for celiac disease works

The new approach is based on a simple idea: to make the immune system tolerant to gluten. To do this, the gliadin glycoprotein, which is part of gluten, is loaded into tiny nanocapsules. The nanodoses released into the body stimulate the development of an autoimmune reaction.  

The tests

During the test, the participants received two injections of nanoparticles. Seven days after receiving the second treatment celiac vaccine, the researchers tested their response to gluten. During the first three days, participants received 12 g of gluten per day and for the next 11 days an additional 6 grams.

According to the scientists, the patients in the treated group tolerated gluten intake much better. The concentration of inflammation markers in them was 90% lower than in the control group. Although only 34 people took part in the studies, the result of the tests they underwent was the first evidence of the effectiveness of treatment in humans.

The authors note that the nanocapsules can also be used to treat other autoimmune diseases, including allergies, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

After the third phase of clinical studies, the FDA can speed up the approval of this treatment with nanoparticles which can "cure" 90% of people with celiac disease. 

The pharmaceutical company Takeda has already received a license for advanced therapy.