A Vaccine for.....

If you are celiac, you better sit down for this news.

Researchers in Melbourne, Australia are shifting into phase two trials for a celiac vaccine. Before reaching for a Mont Royal bagel though, you should know that although the phase one trials were very promising, they were done in mice and we have yet to see the results in humans.

This exciting development comes from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research courtesy of Dr. Bob Anderson, Gastroenterologist and Ph.D scientist. This is especially exciting since Celiac is not as rare as previously thought. Although it is estimated to affect 3% of the population, it is thought there are millions more of undiagnosed sufferers. A point of frustration also for many sufferers is that it used to take approximately 11 years from onset of symptoms to receive a diagnosis. And while that is steadily changing, the risk of untreated Celiac disease can be great, from infertility to liver failure. Which is why the possibility of such a vaccine is not just about hailing in born again bagel eaters, but about improving the quality of life of many people that are struggling with this immune disorder. The approach to developing this vaccine is also exciting as it can serve as a model for developing vaccines for other immune conditions such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

How do you feel about the possibility of a celiac vaccine?

In the meantime, here are two amazing gluten-free blogs, both as informative as inspiring!

www.elanaspantry.com
www.glutenfreegirl.com

 Enjoy!

-Julia