Celiac Sprue Research Foundation 2003 Report

Celiac.com 11/22/2021 - The year 2003 was one filled with considerable accomplishments for the Celiac Sprue Research Foundation. In January the Foundation opened its research laboratory in Sunnyvale, California with the primary goal of developing a pill that may make it safe for celiacs to eat gluten. Under the scientific direction of Gary Gray, M.D., researchers Qing Li, Ph.D., Thomas Marti, Ph.D. and Gail Pyle, M.D. have begun evaluating whether certain enzymes called prolyl endopeptidases (PEPs) can counter the toxic effects of gluten. This is a highly complex undertaking involving a combination of scientific creativity, hard work, careful planning and collaboration.

As a result of the extraordinary efforts of these scientists, the Foundation is currently engaged in a pivotal clinical trial in adult celiac volunteers to test whether a PEP can detoxify gluten in foods eaten by celiacs. If the trial is successful, further studies into the safety and efficacy of a PEP pill can be expected in 2004 and beyond. Regardless of the outcome this work, the Foundation expresses its heartfelt thanks to the many members of celiac support groups who have aided this work. Special thanks are given to the volunteers who have participated directly in clinical studies sponsored by the Foundation.

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In addition to an enzyme pill, the Foundation has taken steps to initiate two other drug development projects aimed at suppressing the tendency of the immune system in a celiac patient’s gut to respond adversely to gluten. These include inhibition of tissue transglutaminase, a key enzyme involved in celiac sprue pathogenesis; and inhibition of HLA-DQ2 mediated presentation of antigenic gluten peptides to disease-specific T cells. On the latter, Dr. Marti has received an exploratory grant from the NIH that will, we hope, allow him to identify a suitable drug candidate in collaboration with researchers at the University of Oslo and at Stanford University.

Over the past year the Foundation has spent nearly $700,000 for research, enzyme production and clinical trials. The Foundation’s projected R&D budget for 2004 is more than twice this amount. Although some of these costs are expected be defrayed through grants and contracts from the U.S. government, the pharmaceutical industry and other non-profit organizations, the Foundation’s dependence on donations from the celiac community, family and friends continues to be crucial if it is to meet its goals for the next year. The Foundation hopes you will look favorably on its accomplishments in 2003 and consider investing in its work at year’s end to assure that progress continues to be made in this vital endeavor.

The Foundation thanks you for your support and look forward to continued advancement toward our shared goal of developing a safe and convenient therapy that will allow those with Celiac Sprue to take in a regular diet.

The Celiac Sprue Research Foundation is a public charity that relies upon donations from individuals to support its activities. As an Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.