We’re delighted to announce that we have awarded £250,000 to Dr Mahima Swamy at the University of Dundee for a three year research project that we believe will take us further along the ‘Journey to a Cure’ for coeliac disease.  

Dr Swamy has had an extensive career in research relating to the intestinal immune system and has previously received grants for her work from organisations such as the Medical Research Council and Welcome Trust. Dr Swamy’s lab in Dundee will collaborate with Dr Hugo Penny, a gastroenterologist and National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Academic Clinical Lecturer and Professor David Sanders, consultant gastroenterologist, both based in Sheffield and part of the National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease. 

What is the aim of the project? 

The project aims to investigate how a certain group of proteins, called enzymes, trigger immune cells to damage the tissue that lines the gut. They’re going to test if blocking these enzymes stops the immune cells from damaging the gut lining. The project will help us to understand why the gut is damaged in coeliac disease and may generate new ideas to treat coeliac disease. Medications that block these enzymes are already in clinical trials for certain types of cancer. The findings from this research may show whether these medications could also be used to treat people living with refractory coeliac disease and prevent symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that occur when someone with coeliac disease is accidentally exposed to gluten. 

Dr Swamy said: “When I present my research findings on coeliac disease, many patients tell me they'd be much happier if they could avoid feeling sick when they accidentally eat gluten. I’m excited by the possibility that this idea that was born out of basic research findings in my lab may eventually lead to a potential treatment for coeliac disease. I am thrilled to partner with Dr Penny and Professor Sanders from the National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease in Sheffield, and with Coeliac UK, to work towards making this possibility a reality.” 

The project will be commencing in Autumn 2024 and is expected to run for three years.  

Dr Mahima Swamy, the principal investigator on this project

Project title: Enzyme inhibitors as a potential treatment for coeliac disease 
Grant awarded: £250k 
Project start: Autumn 2024 
Project duration: 3 years 

We will communicate any key project progress updates, so check back here for further updates.