Coeliac UK is urgently calling on its community to help fund a ground breaking research project – warning that without immediate action, a critical opportunity for progress could be lost. This could mean people with coeliac disease miss out on discoveries that would help them manage their condition more safely and with greater confidence.
The charity is highlighting the need for investment in a major new project that could pave the way for a simple blood test capable of detecting ongoing inflammation – even in people who are strictly following a gluten-free diet.
Heidi Urwin, Director of Evidence and Policy at Coeliac UK, said:
“I often find myself asking a simple but urgent question: What if coeliac disease received the same funding as other autoimmune conditions?
Some scientists believe we could already be closer to breakthroughs that transform diagnosis, treatment and greater understanding of how to achieve a cure.
But right now, coeliac disease research remains critically underfunded and everyday life for people with coeliac disease continues to be shaped by ongoing challenges.
Of course, we don’t want to take funding from other autoimmune conditions, but we do want coeliac disease research to get the funding it deserves. The reality is, if our community doesn’t act now, nobody else will.”
A landmark research project
This new project at University of Oslo is set to become the biggest research investment in the history of the charity.
The first year of this ground breaking three year, £600,000 project can begin now.
But Coeliac UK, urgently needs to secure funding for the remaining two years, or the work could stall before it has the chance to change lives.
The specialist research team in Norway is studying gut damage in people with coeliac disease to better understand the disease process.
This work could lead to the development of a simple blood test that identifies if there is ongoing inflammation – even when people are following a gluten free diet.
In turn, this could:
- Help detect people at greater risk of long-term complications
- Provide clearer insights into how well the condition is being managed
- Transform how coeliac disease is monitored and treated in the future
How you can help
Any gift you can give today – will help bring this vital research closer to reality.
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Coeliac UK has high hopes that this project could unlock a breakthrough in the management of coeliac disease and improve the lives of those living with the condition.
Heidi Urwin added:
“We are so grateful for any gift you can give to make this vital research happen. With your support today, we can power progress to the next breakthrough, greater freedom, and a brighter future”