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Beyond Celiac Launches First Investment Program for Celiac Disease Therapeutics

Investment Strategy Will Focus on Accelerating Treatments and a Cure

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 15, 2024)Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a  cure for celiac disease, today announces the creation of Beyond Celiac Investments (BCI), an investment program to accelerate the development of treatments and a cure for celiac disease by leveraging the speed and scale of venture capital and capital markets. BCI launches with an initial funding of $2 million and additional capital will be raised through donations.

“Our research has uncovered no venture funds with a specific focus on celiac disease or autoimmune disorders, though many venture funds invest in companies that have the potential to address it,” Alice Bast, President and CEO, Beyond Celiac, notes. “Our plans for BCI are to invest significant resources to identify promising treatments under development as well as those that have been investigated or approved for other purposes that also might benefit celiac disease patients. Our scientific and business expertise in selecting and supporting these treatments reduces risk, cost and time to market for potential celiac disease treatments,” she adds. 

BCI is using the Development Catalyst business model, designed to increase development and commercialization activity across the Celiac treatment spectrum. The model enables drug development through nonprofit means. Using donated funds also means that all financial returns from BCI’s investments return to Beyond Celiac to be used for future investments and grants to benefit the celiac disease population and the Beyond Celiac mission to accelerate research for a cure.

Because BCI uses donated funds through a venture philanthropy model, investing can begin immediately. “BCI’s Development Catalyst investment strategy will focus dollars where we can have the greatest impact on the most promising investments. We are building relationships with targeted venture capital firms and corporate venture capital efforts at pharma companies that understand the unique role that both Beyond Celiac and Beyond Celiac Investments can play in sourcing, due diligence and supporting scientific and commercial success of portfolio companies across pre-commercial and commercial stages,” Bast explains.

The Beyond Celiac Investment Team includes Alice Bast, President and CEO; Jordan Dubow, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; Debra Silberg, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer; and Eric White, Fund Manager. 

BCI fulfills the fourth phase in the Beyond Celiac Science Plan, developed in 2021 to drive the search for a cure by 2030 so that the 3.2 million people diagnosed with the disease can live healthy lives and eat without fear of gluten exposure. The Science Plan has four scientific priorities: evidence generation, translational research, clinical trials and drug repurposing. The first three phases of the plan are well underway and the drug repurposing priority is now expanded to include investments in all types of treatments. Beyond Celiac is the nation’s top recruiter for celiac disease clinical trials and works with pharmaceutical companies to ensure that trials are designed with the patient perspective in mind. Beyond Celiac is the largest 501(c)3 celiac disease research grant funder, including five research grants totaling $1.6 million in 2023. 

Inquiries about investing should be directed to [email protected].

About Beyond Celiac

Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the United States, serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac. BeyondCeliac.org

Beyond Celiac Appoints Dr. Jordan Dubow as Chief Medical Officer to Drive Clinical Trial Recruitment and Research Acceleration

Beyond Celiac, the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing celiac disease research and treatments, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jordan Dubow, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Dubow brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, which will focus on monetizing Beyond Celiac assets and services to support clinical trial recruitment, with the ultimate goal of having treatments beyond the gluten-free diet available by 2030.

A headshot of Jordan smiling.In his new role, Dr. Dubow will lead efforts to accelerate research and clinical trials in the field of celiac disease, filling a critical gap in ensuring widespread participation in clinical trials. His extensive experience in clinical development, regulatory affairs, business development, and medical affairs, particularly in neurological, orphan, and genetic diseases, positions him as a key asset in achieving the organization’s mission. In addition, Dr. Dubow’s son has celiac disease, which helps fuel his passion and dedication to finding treatments and a cure. He joins Beyond Celiac Chief Scientific Officer Deb Silberg, MD PhD, as well as a strong and dedicated science team to pursue every available avenue to advancing celiac disease research.

Beyond Celiac CEO Alice Bast shared her enthusiasm about Dr. Dubow joining the team, stating, "Jordan's appointment is a significant milestone for Beyond Celiac, as we continue our relentless pursuit of treatments and, ultimately, a cure for celiac disease. His impressive track record in pharmaceutical industry leadership, coupled with his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by celiac disease, will undoubtedly help us move closer to our goal. With Jordan's expertise, we can accelerate our mission so that our community will be able to live life to the fullest and eat without fear."

Dr. Dubow has a remarkable professional background, having held key leadership positions in several pharmaceutical companies, including Clintrex LLC, Paragon Biosciences, and Avadel Pharmaceuticals. He has a proven track record of successfully leading clinical development, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, and business development efforts. His experience in Phase 1 to Phase 4 development, regulatory strategy, investor relations, and medical affairs will be instrumental in driving Beyond Celiac research initiatives.

Dr. Dubow's appointment was also met with excitement from Beyond Celiac Chief Scientific Officer Deb Silberg, MD, PhD, who added, "We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Jordan to the Beyond Celiac team. His extensive experience and innovative approach to research and clinical development will undoubtedly be a driving force in accelerating progress toward effective treatments for celiac disease."

Beyond Celiac Welcomes Debra Silberg, MD, PhD, FACG as Chief Scientific Officer

Beyond Celiac is pleased to announce the appointment of Debra Silberg, MD, PhD, FACG, as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Dr. Silberg brings with her a wealth of experience and an impressive track record in the fields of medicine, immunology, and pharmaceutical research, making her an invaluable addition to the Beyond Celiac science team.

Dr. Silberg is an accomplished life sciences executive with deep experience across all stages of drug development. She has held clinical leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Shire, and Takeda, where she served as the company’s Global Vice President of Clinical Development and Clinical Science Head for Gastroenterology. In this role, she was responsible for the gastrointestinal program team, which included approximately 30 physicians and clinical scientists across the US, Europe, China, and Japan who were focused on several GI diseases, including celiac disease. Additionally, Dr. Silberg oversaw the clinical aspects and led discussions with regulatory authorities (FDA and EMA) to facilitate the advancement of numerous GI development programs.

In her role as CSO, Dr. Silberg will play a pivotal role in driving the scientific plan that supports the Beyond Celiac mission to accelerate the development of treatments and a cure for celiac disease by 2030. She will also work tirelessly to foster collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders, including scientists, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, and the patient community.

Alice Bast, CEO of Beyond Celiac, expressed her enthusiasm for Dr. Silberg's appointment, saying, "We are very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Silberg's caliber and with such an excellent career of accomplishments join our organization. Her expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission and propelling us closer to a cure for celiac disease."

Dr. Silberg stated about her new role, "I am thrilled to join Beyond Celiac and apply all that I have learned throughout my professional career to improve the lives and outcomes of people with celiac disease. This is a remarkable opportunity to make a tangible impact, and I look forward to working with the dedicated team at Beyond Celiac to drive meaningful change."

With a diverse background spanning academia, pharmaceutical research, and leadership roles in the industry, Dr. Silberg is well-equipped to lead the Science Department at Beyond Celiac. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the organization’s research granting program, and leading the Beyond Celiac Coalition, engaging partners from pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, diagnostic companies, regulators, and members of academia to accelerate clinical research in celiac disease by addressing major patient barriers in a pre-competitive environment.

Dr. Silberg's appointment as CSO comes at a crucial time for Beyond Celiac as the organization is enhancing its scientific credibility on a global scale, promoting diversity and inclusion in celiac disease diagnosis and management, and expanding its reach beyond the United States.

About Beyond Celiac

Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the United States, serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac.

 

 

TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer Joins Forces with Beyond Celiac to Drive Celiac Disease Awareness and Research

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 26, 2023) –NBC News meteorologist and co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY, Dylan Dreyer, has teamed up with the non-profit organization Beyond Celiac to raise awareness and support their mission of accelerating research for treatments and a cure for celiac disease. This dynamic partnership aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by celiac disease while driving groundbreaking research efforts to bring relief and hope to millions worldwide.

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, affects an estimated 1 in 133 Americans, making it one of the most common genetic conditions in the world. Dylan Dreyer's personal connection to the cause brings an authentic and heartfelt commitment to the campaign. As a mother of a young son diagnosed with celiac disease, Dreyer understands the challenges that families undergo in navigating a gluten-free lifestyle while dealing with the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.

Dreyer will be the keynote speaker at the Beyond Celiac Summit for the Celiac Community in Greenwich, Connecticut, on September 30, and the emcee at the Step Beyond Celiac 5K in Boston suburb Waltham, Massachusetts, on October 14. People interested in participating in either event can visit BeyondCeliac.org for more information.

"I am thrilled to be joining forces with Beyond Celiac to make a difference in the lives of those living with celiac disease," said Dreyer. "When my son Calvin was diagnosed, we got some answers, but I also got firsthand perspective on the struggles families face every day. By raising awareness and supporting research efforts, we can bring much-needed attention to this condition and work towards finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure."

Beyond Celiac is a leading advocate for the celiac disease community, dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with the condition. Their initiatives focus on driving research, advocating for policy changes, and promoting public awareness of celiac disease.

"We are honored to have Dylan’s support as we strive to elevate the conversation around celiac disease and its impact on individuals and families," said Alice Bast, CEO of Beyond Celiac. "Her involvement will undoubtedly bring more attention to the cause, help our community to eat without fear, and live life to the fullest."

Through this partnership, Dylan Dreyer and Beyond Celiac aim to break down barriers, promote understanding, and catalyze critical research endeavors that will pave the way for better treatments and improved quality of life for those living with celiac disease.

For more information about Beyond Celiac and their mission, visit BeyondCeliac.org.

About Beyond Celiac

Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac.

Beyond Celiac Hosts Summit to Provide Celiac Community with Knowledge and Resources to Live Their Best Gluten-Free Life

NBC Today Show Co-Host and Meteorologist Dylan Dreyer Keynotes the Summit

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 13, 2023)Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure, is presenting a Celiac Community Summit on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich, Conn., to provide celiac disease patients with the latest information on this serious autoimmune disease. The Summit features panels of expert speakers and vendors including a keynote address from NBC Today Show Co-host and Meteorologist Dylan Dreyer for a day of learning and sharing best practices.

Dreyer’s six-year-old son, Calvin (Cal), was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. After months of stomach pain, earache, hair loss and a skin rash, they were finally able to get a diagnosis. Like so many others, Dreyer’s family is now learning to live with celiac disease and create a safe, gluten-free home for him.

“We are thrilled to create this day-long opportunity for the celiac disease community to come together, share experiences, and learn from both medical and lifestyle experts,” said Beyond Celiac CEO Alice Bast. “Living with celiac disease presents many challenges, and there’s great value in being with people who understand how isolating it can be and how difficult it is to live your life to the fullest when in fear of getting "glutened".  We are excited to listen and learn from our community as we focus on accelerating treatments towards a cure.”

Attendees will hear from doctors about the latest research, attend breakout sessions to learn about living with celiac disease, find out how to advocate for themselves, and much more. They will even participate in a Family Feud-style game about celiac disease. To view the full schedule with the lineup of guests as well as register for the Summit, visit https://beyondceliacsummit23.funraise.org.

Celiac disease is a serious, genetic autoimmune disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 133 Americans, more than half of whom are still undiagnosed. The disease causes damage to the small intestine, resulting in debilitating symptoms, and if left untreated can lead to serious, long-term health problems including infertility and some types of cancer.

About Beyond Celiac

Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the United States, serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac. 

Revolutionizing Care: Exploring the Empowering Potential of At-Home Tests for Adolescent Celiac Disease Patients

Beyond Celiac and the Society for the Study of Celiac Disease award Shayna Coburn, PhD, of Children's National Hospital, the 2023 Early Career Research Award

PHILADELPHIA (August 31, 2023) Beyond Celiac, the leading voluntary health organization accelerating research for treatments and a cure for celiac disease both nationally and globally, and the Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) announced today that Shayna Coburn, PhD, Psychosocial Health Director of the Celiac Disease Program at Children’s National Hospital, has been selected to receive the 2023 Early Career Grant Award.

The grant is designed to attract exceptionally promising early career academic investigators to the field of celiac disease research. SSCD peer-reviewed the applications and selected the recipient, and Beyond Celiac will provide grant oversight and funding of up to $90,000 per year for two years. 

Coburn’s research will investigate the effect that using at-home tests for gluten in urine has on the emotions and behavior of teenagers with celiac disease when the teens and their parents are also part of an internet-based support program. “Teens with celiac disease have an increased risk of poor quality of life and emotional distress as well as poorer adherence to the gluten-free diet as they enter this vulnerable stage of life,” says Coburn.

Teens are contending with transitions toward autonomy and independence and critically need to gain skills in managing the gluten-free diet, with support from their parents,  she notes. “The project would lay the groundwork for integration of at-home testing in clinical care and interventions designed to help teens with celiac disease take control of their health,” Coburn says.   

"We're really excited to support this research because the findings could make a big difference for teenagers living with celiac disease," explains Alice Bast, CEO of Beyond Celiac. "We are dedicated to finding real-world ways to help our community now while we work to accelerate research for treatments and a cure. The things we'll learn from this study could definitely help these teens take better care of themselves and feel better overall."

"Collaborating with Beyond Celiac to provide this grant offers a valuable opportunity to elevate our joint commitment to advancing celiac disease research," notes Ciaran Kelly, MD, President Emeritus of SSCD and Professor of Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "Together, we're actively driving meaningful change for affected teens."

In addition to her role at Children’s National, Coburn is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Beyond Celiac is focused on patient advocacy through the support of research both in the United States and abroad. The organization has committed more than $3 million to directly fund celiac disease research in the last several years as part of its comprehensive Science Plan to have treatments toward a cure by 2030.

About Beyond Celiac

Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the premier nonprofit funder of international celiac disease research and catalyst for celiac disease treatments and a cure. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac. 

(More information for researchers)

About SSCD

The Society for the Study of Celiac Disease is the professional organization of physicians, nurses, dietitians and allied health professionals in North America, Central America and Europe who specialize in the treatment of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders.

SSCD is committed to advancing the proper diagnosis and treatment of these often-overlooked conditions, and to fostering research into new treatments that may give patients options beyond the gluten-free diet that is the current standard of care.

Over One-Fourth (28%) of Americans Assume that People Who Eat Gluten-Free Are Just Trying to Get Attention

Yet for the 1 in 133 Americans with Celiac Disease, Eating Gluten-Free is the Only Treatment

Americans’ attitudes toward and understanding of celiac disease fall short, according to a nationwide survey conducted online among 2,081 U.S. adults April 11-13, 2023, by The Harris Poll on behalf of Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure. The survey found that 28% of Americans assume that people who eat gluten-free are just trying to get attention. However, gluten is dangerous for people with this serious autoimmune disease and following a strict gluten-free diet is the only way the 3.2 million Americans (1 in 133)1 with celiac disease can control it today.

Other key findings from the survey revealing misunderstandings of the disease include:

  • Only one-fourth (27%) realize that getting diagnosed with celiac disease is difficult because many people who have no stomach or digestion-related symptoms don’t get tested for celiac disease and are misdiagnosed with something else.
  • Only 40% of Americans know that left undiagnosed or unmanaged, celiac disease could lead over time to lymphoma or other cancers, additional autoimmune problems and/or a range of life-threatening medical conditions.
  • Only 43% of Americans think that going to parties and other kinds of socializing are difficult when you are limited to gluten-free food.
  • One-third (33%) of Americans incorrectly believe that research to learn more about the causes of and a cure for celiac disease receives as much attention and funding as other serious diseases.

“Celiac disease awareness has come a long way since I founded Beyond Celiac 20 years ago. We still have work to do to achieve our vision of a world in which people with celiac disease can life healthy lives, free from social stigma and fear of gluten exposure,” said Beyond Celiac CEO Alice Bast. “If more Americans understood how dangerous gluten can be for a person with celiac disease, it would be a big step forward for those with celiac disease to be able to live life to the fullest and eat without fear,” Bast added.

Causing damage to the small intestine, celiac disease results in debilitating symptoms, and if left untreated can lead to serious, long-term health problems including infertility and some types of cancer. Though numerous possible treatments are under investigation, currently there are no medications to treat celiac disease and there is no cure. Following a 100% gluten-free diet (no wheat, barley or rye), which may not fully offset the health risks of the disease, is the only way people with celiac disease can get by on a daily basis. 

The full report on the survey results, “The Persisting Myths About Celiac Diseasecan be found at https://www.beyondceliac.org/harrispoll/. The report also presents the facts about the disease, and outlines how Beyond Celiac is taking steps to accelerate the quest for a cure.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Beyond Celiac from April 11-13, 2023 among 2,081 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval.  For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact

[email protected]

About Beyond Celiac

Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the United States, serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac. BeyondCeliac.org

Research Suggests Health Disparities May Result in Underdiagnosis of Celiac Disease in Non-White Americans

Beyond Celiac drives awareness of health inequities in diagnosis of celiac disease 

PHILADELPHIA (May 10, 2023) – Original research using Medicare data from a partnership between Beyond Celiac and the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) was presented yesterday at Digestive Disease Week (DDW), the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. “Results suggest that disparities in healthcare access may contribute to the underdiagnosis of celiac disease, particularly among the non-white population in the United States,” the analysis of data found.

Correlations between relative prevalence of celiac disease and sociodemographic variables in the U.S.,” was presented by Haley M. Zylberberg, MD, gastroenterology fellow at Columbia University Department of Medicine and the lead study author. The analysis included median income, race, urban areas and proximity to a celiac disease center. The results showed that as the median income increased, so did the prevalence of celiac disease.

The research presented at DDW by Columbia University and Beyond Celiac found that a higher income, living in an urban area and living close to a celiac disease center are all positively correlated with celiac disease prevalence, while being Black or Latino/Hispanic is negatively correlated. Meanwhile, the percent of Latino/Hispanics with Medicare claims for celiac disease decreased as the percentage of relative celiac disease increased. For Black people, this was also largely true. 

“We’re proud to lead the way in documenting and bringing greater awareness to health inequities in celiac disease,” Alice Bast, Beyond Celiac CEO, said. “This is an area that has long been neglected in celiac disease, depriving people of a celiac diagnosis based on race, ethnicity, income and where they live. At Beyond Celiac we are committed to improving the lives of everyone with celiac disease as we search for new treatments and a cure. 

This is the second year that data analysis based on the Beyond Celiac/NMQF project has been presented at DDW. In 2022, preliminary analysis and mapping of claims showed someone’s race and ethnicity and what part of the United States they live in can affect whether they are diagnosed with celiac disease. More than 70,000 Medicare beneficiaries had at least one celiac-disease-related claim in 2016.

Further, Black Americans (63%) are significantly more likely than Hispanic Americans (49%) and White Americans (47%) to have no awareness of celiac disease and/or gluten-sensitivity, suggesting potential health inequities in both diagnosis and treatment, according to a 2022 nationwide survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure. Other research indicates celiac disease diagnosis and treatment disparities for Black Americans.

Read more about the Beyond Celiac commitment to health equity.

About Beyond Celiac

The leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the United States and premier nonprofit funder of celiac disease research worldwide, Beyond Celiac is working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac.

Two Research Papers by Beyond Celiac to be Presented at Digestive Disease Week 2023
PHILADELPHIA (APR 10 2023) – Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the United States and premier nonprofit funder of celiac disease research worldwide, will have findings from two research projects presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW), the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. The research will be presented as two posters. One, “Frustration, fear, and luck — Factors facilitating celiac disease diagnosis and support seeking behaviors: A Go Beyond Celiac analysis,” is based on data from the Go Beyond Celiac patient registry and is being presented by Beyond Celiac Associate Science Project Manager Erin Miller, MPH. The other, “Correlations between relative prevalence of celiac disease and sociodemographic variables in the United States," is based on the Celiac Index, created by Beyond Celiac in conjunction with the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), and is being presented by Haley M. Zylberberg, MD, a gastroenterology fellow at Columbia University who analyzed the NMQF data. “The abstracts highlight the importance of demographic research along with patient-reported outcomes in the understanding and management of celiac disease,” noted Beyond Celiac Chief Science and Strategy Officer Salvo Alesci, MD. “With more than 8,000 patients participating in our registry, we are able to get and share a more complete picture of how a person presents and ultimately gets diagnosed with celiac disease, its complexity and disparities, which will ultimately accelerate the rate by which people get answers,” he added. “Partnerships are key,” noted Alice Bast. “By joining forces with the NMQF, we are finding that there are variables that are influencing diagnosis that are not related to symptoms, and that needs to change. When we say ‘together for a cure,’ we mean everyone. And we are now more able to paint a fuller picture of who does not have equal access to good health choices, healthcare and health outcomes,” she added. The posters will be presented on May 9, 2023, after which time the findings of the research will be shared more broadly.

About Beyond Celiac

Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac.
Beyond Celiac announces award of grants for $1.6 million for critical celiac disease research
PHILADELPHIA (Mar. 27, 2023) – Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the U.S., today announced five multi-year grants totaling $1.6M as part of a celiac disease research grant program. The grants fund research at prestigious institutions in five countries, making Beyond Celiac the premier nonprofit funder of celiac disease research worldwide. The research projects selected for grants address non-invasive/minimally invasive biomarkers of celiac disease, the microbiome and restoring/inducing immune tolerance to gluten antigens. The projects, researchers and their institutions are: Research Accelerator Grant Awards
  • Shed cell transcriptomics for the identification of celiac disease dynamics by Shalev Itzkovitz, PhD, at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot, Israel) in collaboration with the Schneider Children’s Medical Center (Petah Tikva, Israel)
  • Novel Biomarkers of mucosal damage for non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of celiac disease by Michael FitzPatrick, MRCP, DPhil, (previous Beyond Celiac awardee) at University of Oxford (Oxford, UK)
Established Investigator Awards 
  • Identifying predictors for progressive phenotypes of Celiac disease by Rok Seon Choung, MD, PhD, at Mayo Clinic (MN, USA) in collaboration with the Naval Medical Center (MD, USA) and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (NY, USA)
  • CeliAct(TIV) - Translocation, Inflammation and Virulence: dissecting mechanisms of gluten-microbiota interactions in Celiac Disease by Sónia Gonçalves Pereira, PhD, at the Instituto Politécnico de Leiria (Leiria, Portugal), in collaboration with the Celiac Disease Research Center at Tampere University (Tampere, Finland)
  • Preclinical 2D celiac patient-based iPSC-small intestinal epithelial in vitro model by Kati Juuti-Uusitalo, PhD, at Tampere University (Tampere, Finland)
“Beyond Celiac is committed to a competitive process to identify and fund the world's best and most promising research to accelerate research for treatments and a cure for celiac disease, and to help our celiac disease community members live longer, fuller lives,” noted Alice Bast, Beyond Celiac CEO. “We have committed more than $3M to directly fund celiac disease research in the last several years as part of our comprehensive Science Plan to have treatments toward a cure by 2030,” she added. While continuing its work as a top recruiter for celiac disease clinical trials, Beyond Celiac led a rigorous grant selection process in the last quarter of 2022. The application process was competitive, with review by the members of the Beyond Celiac Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), led by Beyond Celiac Chief Science and Strategy Officer Salvo Alesci, MD, PhD. Working from recommendations by the SAB, final award selections were based on fit with established funding priorities. Members of the SAB who served on the review committee include: 
  • Lisa Fahey, MD, is the co-director of the Center for Celiac Disease at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
  • Benjamin Lebwohl, MD, is the director of clinical research at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
  • Dale Young Lee, MD, MSCE, is the director of the Celiac Disease Program and medical director of clinical nutrition at Seattle Children’s Hospital
  • Daniel Leffler, MD, is the director of research, Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess, associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, and medical director, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
  • Edwin Liu, MD, is the director of the Colorado Center for Celiac Disease at Children’s Hospital Colorado and professor of pediatrics, gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition, University of Colorado School of medicine
  • Stephen Miller, PhD, is the director of the interdepartmental immunobiology center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and research professor of microbiology-immunology
  • Joseph Murray, MD, is a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic and a gastroenterologist in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, department of internal medicine
  • Kari C. Nadeau, MD, PhD, is the John Rock Professor of Climate and Population Studies, Chair, Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Donors and philanthropists interested in supporting Beyond Celiac research initiatives can direct contributions to innovative projects. Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 133 Americans, more than half of whom are still undiagnosed. The disease causes damage to the small intestine, resulting in debilitating symptoms, and if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term health problems including infertility and some types of cancer. About Beyond Celiac Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure in the U.S., serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac is creating a future in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear – a world Beyond Celiac. www.BeyondCeliac.org.

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