Celiac Disease Research Proposal: Randomized, Double Blind Study Testing the Efficacy of a Drug Against Flare-Ups

Affecting nearly 1% of the world’s population, Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestine through the ingestion of gluten. Over time, the villi of the small intestine are destroyed which prevents nutrients from being absorbed properly leading to impaired health and growth of an individual. Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease. Those that are diagnosed with Celiac disease usually adhere to a gluten-free diet. By doing so, most manage their symptoms and minimize the damage to their small intestine. However, this diet is only effective if one is able to strictly adhere to the diet. If gluten is consumed, even on accident which is rather easy, the villi of the small intestine are damaged and individuals are at risk for a number of symptoms including chronic diarrhea, constipation, and even cognitive impairment. A cure for Celiac disease that extends beyond lifestyle changes would better help those affected and ensure their small intestine functions properly and growth of an individual is not impaired. One potential solution is medication that prevents inflammation from T cells through the blockage of cytokine signaling of interleukin-6. This thesis proposes a research project to identify a phase 3, double blind, placebo controlled trial that would test the efficacy of the potential drugs.