Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    Promising Celiac Vaccine Nexvax2 Begins Phase Two Trials

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    Carriers of HLA-DQ2.5 account for approximately 90% of people with disease, and Nexvax2 is designed to protect these patients from the effects of gluten exposure.

    Promising Celiac Vaccine Nexvax2 Begins Phase Two Trials - Image: CC--Dawn Huczek
    Caption: Image: CC--Dawn Huczek

    Celiac.com 11/05/2018 - ImmusanT, Inc. is a clinical stage company looking to deliver innovative peptide-based immunomodulatory vaccine therapies to patients with autoimmune diseases, initiated enrollment in Australia and New Zealand for its celiac disease vaccine. Along with Nexvax2, ImmusanT is working to develop vaccines for other HLA-associated autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.

    The Phase 2 trials will assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of its celiac vaccine, Nexvax2, on celiac patients who carry the immune recognition genes for HLA-DQ2.5.  Carriers of HLA-DQ2.5 account for approximately 90% of people with disease, and Nexvax2 is designed to protect these patients from the effects of gluten exposure.

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
    Nexvax2 is currently the only disease-modifying therapeutic candidate in clinical development for patients with celiac disease. Injections of Nexvax2 are designed to reprogram T cells that trigger an inflammatory response to gluten, thereby suppressing inflammation in patients with celiac disease. Phase 1 studies showed Nexvax2 to be safe and well-tolerated at even its highest dose levels. 

    In Phase 2 clinical trials, ImmusanT hopes to confirm clinical efficacy of Nexvax2 administered by injection into the skin for treatment of celiac disease. The study plan consists of an initial screening period of 6 weeks, an approximately 16 week treatment period, and a 4 week post-treatment observational follow-up.

    The trials will be conducted at sites in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, in addition to sites in New Zealand. For the U.S. study researchers will enroll approximately 150 patients across the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. 

    Phase 2 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of Nexvax2 in adults with confirmed celiac disease who have followed a gluten-free diet for at least a year prior to screening. 

    “This trial is important in establishing clinical proof-of-concept for a treatment that would provide benefit beyond that of the gluten-free diet,” and will “test if Nexvax2 can specifically target the immune response to gluten in people with celiac disease and modify associated symptoms,” said Jason Tye-Din, MBBS, Ph.D., principal investigator at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and head of celiac research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia. 

    For more information about RESET CeD, including inclusion and exclusion criteria, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03644069). 



    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Joan H

    I've read this article my comment to Celiac.com when I sent a review of this article is that if this injection is successful, because gluten-free has become a huge money maker they are going to be up against big business, factories have been opened, specialty bakeries, etc etc and of course all the other gluten-free product makers they will fight it all the way, mainly because Hollywood put us in the spotlight with all,these stars etc going on a Gluten Free "Diet" they should,check out the calories etc in our diets they don't have a clue. 

    I sincerely hope, but I've had it too long since 1989, and it probably won't work for me, but I do hope that they are allowed to market this injection at the end of (if successful) trials because we deserve to have some kind of "normal" back in our lives.  It is a terribly restrictive disease most people refer to it as an allergy ??‍♀️ if only it was.??

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Gavin Ayling

    Posted

    Is Joan H's concern a genuine one? Is there an example of a successful treatment for an illness that has been stopped from being sold by other business interests, or is this a conspiracy theory / unfounded concern?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Dhellia

    Posted

    I don't think that should be a major concern. Two reasons: One, I doubt making gluten-free products is really that great of a money making venture, it's a very niche market. Sure companies are going into it to make money but it's not like they're Apple. Two, Celiacs are only a small portion of the people who eat gluten free. This vaccine is intended to help those with autoimmune disorders and there is a much greater portion of people who are gluten free for other reasons. According to the Gluten Free Agency, 9 million people (out of population of 36 million) in Canada are eating gluten free now, which is comprised include 1% who are celiac, 6% of the population with gluten sensitivity, and 22% who are gluten avoiders for non-medical reasons. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Anson

    Gluten free is fully entrenched as a lifestyle and evergreen fad (apart from any proven health issue). Vaccinating celiacs will in no way dent the industry, nor even eliminate many individual's sensitivity to gluten.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    CATRYNA

    I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Celiac is an autoimmune disorder and no one with autoimmune issues should be getting any vaccines, and vaccines are notorious for causing gut issues. Our guts are already ruined enough without adding insult to injury. 

    Edited by CATRYNA
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Dee

    Do I have Celiac?  I dont know,  I went gluten-free while on Adkins diet.  After staying   gluten-free for 3months, my TGG test was negative.  But all my previous rheumaroid factors (  I do have APLS -a lupus related lood disease)  fell from high  to  what one hematologist called " boring."  Every doc who has compared my before and after blood work has told me to stay off gluten, despite a lack of clear Celiac dx.  Since that life changing event, I have dived deeply into the dark, Functional Med side of health care, and I now know that gluten, as well as other grains and sugars and chemicals cause other, only newly discovered hormone cascades and gut biome destrunctions which are not all dependent upon the immune system.  No vaccine is going to change those cascade trajectories.  So yes, I miss croissants being able to eat at church pot lucks without having to find and grill the cooks about  ingredients, but I will never, EVER go  back to eating a delightful poison! gluten-free is not a fad diet.  Now that we have computers that speed our processing of complex biologic data it becoming more and more evident that our current " name it and blame it" medical approach is waaaay too simplistic! 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    CATRYNA
    8 hours ago, Guest Dee said:

    Do I have Celiac?  I dont know,  I went gluten-free while on Adkins diet.  After staying   gluten-free for 3months, my TGG test was negative.  But all my previous rheumaroid factors (  I do have APLS -a lupus related lood disease)  fell from high  to  what one hematologist called " boring."  Every doc who has compared my before and after blood work has told me to stay off gluten, despite a lack of clear Celiac dx.  Since that life changing event, I have dived deeply into the dark, Functional Med side of health care, and I now know that gluten, as well as other grains and sugars and chemicals cause other, only newly discovered hormone cascades and gut biome destrunctions which are not all dependent upon the immune system.  No vaccine is going to change those cascade trajectories.  So yes, I miss croissants being able to eat at church pot lucks without having to find and grill the cooks about  ingredients, but I will never, EVER go  back to eating a delightful poison! gluten-free is not a fad diet.  Now that we have computers that speed our processing of complex biologic data it becoming more and more evident that our current " name it and blame it" medical approach is waaaay too simplistic! 

    Guest Dee    You nailed it, girl! I agree whole heartedly to everything you said. I have Hashimotos, Celiac and DH. As far as I'm concerned, anyone with an autoimmune issue, should not eat gluten nor ever get a vaccine. Aside, from the nasty ingredients in vaccines, the very fact that vaccines are noted to stimulate the immune system would be detrimental to anyone who has an immune system that is already out of control. Kudos to you, for getting to the bottom of your problems and moving ahead proactively. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Pizza-lover

    Time will tell if a celiac vaccine is safe and effective. I'm old enough (79) that I may not live to see the day that a reliable vaccine is available. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to get vaccines to try to avoid pneumonia, shingles, and influenza. We all have to make our own judgements about these things, and that's mine.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Jpate

    I am from the UK and I have been suffering from Refactory type two celiac disease for the past 4years. I have been on trials in Holland for 5 months for Refactory type two and have never heard any results from the trials. I have suffered from undiagnosed celiac disease for overy 55 year's until 6 year's ago and then I found I had  Refactory type two celiac disease. 

    However without these trials we would never progress to finding any sort of cure for any  disease which can or could be  fatal. My hat goes off to these Proffessionals who are doing their utmost to helping people like us.  Good luck with the next upcoming trials 

    .

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Twojay

    I have just been diagnosed as a celiac six month ago and spent 76 years eating whatever I have fancied, and I am a good cook too and love cooking. If there is a miracle in a form of a vaccine, no side effects, (and wish the best to the fellow Aussies for getting there) I'll take it, will be happy to eat fresh bread instead of just getting high on the aroma and have some chips or real doughnut, have an Asian takeaway or a pasta, and buy anything without first looking at the ingredients for the word "wheat". Having said that, while I would never go on a gluten-free diet for a fad, it is possible to have a rich and varied gluten-free free regime, and if you name a dish it can be done. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Vaccines safety

    Posted

    On 11/11/2018 at 5:57 PM, CATRYNA said:

    I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole. Celiac is an autoimmune disorder and no one with autoimmune issues should be getting any vaccines, and vaccines are notorious for causing gut issues. Our guts are already ruined enough without adding insult to injury. 

    As a physician I can confidently state there is no contraindication for vaccination in people who have autoimmune diseases.  While this phase 2 trial is not a long enough duration to confirm long-term effectiveness or safety it is a start to potentially developing a cure.  Many people have difficulty adhering to a gluten-free diet or even access to good gluten-free foods and even some who adhere to the diet can still be affected by the disease and this is a promising medical breakthrough.  I am assuming by the statement made above that you do not have a scientific background or sound evidence to support your statement since the statement is medically false.  There are incidences where those with autoimmune disease who are on immunosuppression may not have as robust response to vaccination (meaning it may not work as well as in those who are not on immunosuppression) but it does not harm them or damage their gut.  I certainly respect individuals have a right to their opinions regarding vaccination but object to spreading false information. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    CATRYNA
    31 minutes ago, Guest Vaccines safety said:

    As a physician I can confidently state there is no contraindication for vaccination in people who have autoimmune diseases.  While this phase 2 trial is not a long enough duration to confirm long-term effectiveness or safety it is a start to potentially developing a cure.  Many people have difficulty adhering to a gluten-free diet or even access to good gluten-free foods and even some who adhere to the diet can still be affected by the disease and this is a promising medical breakthrough.  I am assuming by the statement made above that you do not have a scientific background or sound evidence to support your statement since the statement is medically false.  There are incidences where those with autoimmune disease who are on immunosuppression may not have as robust response to vaccination (meaning it may not work as well as in those who are not on immunosuppression) but it does not harm them or damage their gut.  I certainly respect individuals have a right to their opinions regarding vaccination but object to spreading false information. 

    Oh please. " Spreading false information." Get real!  The adjuvants in vaccines are supposed to stimulate the immune system/response. That is the last thing a person with autoimmune issues needs. Our immune systems are already rolling out of control. We don't need more of the same.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate
  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Related Articles

    Diana Gitig Ph.D.
    ImmusanT's Celiac Vaccine Passed Phase I Clinical Trials
    Celiac.com 05/23/2011 - ImmusanT, Inc., a biotechnology start up based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is testing a vaccine to desensitize celiac patients to gluten. It is called Nexvax2, and it has already passed Phase I clinical trials, which means that it is safe and tolerable to humans. Nexvax2 is slated to begin Phase II trials, which address efficacy, within the next year.
    Nexvax2 was developed by Nexpep Pty, Ltd., a company in Melbourne, Australia. It is based on their findings that only three peptides are responsible for eliciting the majority of the T cell response that goes on to destroy the intestines of celiac patients. HLA molecules function to present these toxic peptides to T cells; this presentation is what activates the T cells, instigating the inflammatory response. Thus...


    Jefferson Adams
    Celiac Vaccine Clears First Big Clinical Trial
    Celiac.com 04/03/2017 - Massachusetts biotech firm ImmusanT has announced the successful completion of its first phase 1b trial of Nexvax2, an immunotherapy drug designed to protect celiac sufferers from the adverse effects of gluten exposure, including gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating.
    Nexvax2 is a drug that relies on three peptides designed to promote T cells involved in the inflammatory reaction in celiac disease to become tolerant to gluten. The company hopes that an initial course will promote gluten-tolerance, which can then be maintained by periodic boosters of the vaccine.
    The phase 1b trial in 38 patients showed no issues with safety or tolerability, and indicated that the immunotherapy seemed to work as designed.  The study also helped ...


    Jefferson Adams
    Investors Bet Big on Vaccine Therapy for Celiac Disease
    Celiac.com 12/22/2017 - Venture capital firms Arch Venture, and Vatera are betting big on biotech startup ImmusanT, the makers of potential celiac disease vaccine Nexvax2.
    Arch and Vatera have funded a $40 million B round that will support ImmusanT's development of their celiac treatment through Phase II testing. Full data are expected in mid-2019.
    As part of it's efforts, Arch Venture partner and former head of research at Celgene, Tom Daniel, will join the board at ImmusanT. Additionally, renowned immunologist and Arch managing director Steven Gillis will also join the board at ImmusanT.
    Nexvax2 is the first prong in ImmusanT's efforts to develop a treatment that creates immune system tolerance to thwart autoimmune diseases. If they are successful in tackling celiac disease...


    Jefferson Adams
    Celiac Disease Research Could Lead to Diabetes Vaccine
    Celiac.com 10/19/2018 - Work to develop a vaccine for celiac disease could soon lead to a vaccine for diabetes.
    After successful phase 1 studies of Nexvax2, their peptide-based therapeutic vaccine for celiac disease, ImmusanT has seen a significant investment from venture philanthropy organization JDRF T1D. ImmusanT's peptide therapy program for celiac disease may provide lessons for a similar therapeutic treatment for Type 1 diabetes.
    The investment will support ImmusanT as it attempts to develop a vaccine to prevent Type 1 diabetes, based on the early success of its peptide immunotherapy program for celiac disease, the two entities announced in a press release.
    ImmusanT’s celiac peptide therapy program works by identifying antigens that trigger an inflammatory r...


  • Recent Activity

    1. - Scott Adams replied to Brianne03's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Advantages vs. Disadvantages of having an official Celiac diagnosis

    2. - Scott Adams replied to Whyz's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Feeling ill

    3. - JA917 replied to Jack Common's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      4

      How many grams is there in one slice of wheat bread?

    4. - JA917 replied to Brianne03's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Advantages vs. Disadvantages of having an official Celiac diagnosis

    5. - JA917 replied to Art Maltman's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      My 5 months of Struggle


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      126,521
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    ripp1245
    Newest Member
    ripp1245
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.9k
    • Total Posts
      69.5k

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Popular Now

    • Whyz
      5
    • Art Maltman
      6
    • JA917
      13
    • Dana Gilcrease
      5
    • marion wheaton
      6
  • Popular Articles

    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
  • Upcoming Events

×
×
  • Create New...