There could be one Historical turning point in the fight against celiac diseasethanks to a Experimental drug called Zed1227. It is an active ingredient that has shown that prevent damage to the intestinal mucosa caused by the ingestion of gluten in celiac patients.
Currently those who suffer from this autoimmune disease are obliged to follow one rigid gluten -free dietavoiding food such as bread, pasta, pizza and many other wheat, barley and rye products. However, this new drug could radically change the scenario.
As Zed1227 acts
The mechanism behind Zed1227 is theTransglutaminase 2 (TG2) inhibitionan enzyme that plays a key role in activating the autoimmune response unleashed by gluten in genetically predisposed patients. Preventing this reaction, the drug prevents the immune system attacking intestinal villifundamental structures for the absorption of nutrients. Zed1227 does not eliminate gluten, but blocks the harmful effectsprotecting the intestine.
The results of the experimentation
The study that led to these results was conducted by an international team of researchers led by Finnish scientists from the University of Tampere, in collaboration with German and Norwegian institutions. The patients involved followed a gluten -free diet before be exposed to the protein again for six weeks.
Some have taken the drug, others a placebo. The intestinal biopsies have highlighted a clear protection of the mucosa in subjects treated with Zed1227. According to Professor Viriri, one of the coordinators of the study:
By measuring genetic activity, we discovered that Zed1227 ingested orally it effectively prevented the damage and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa induced by gluten. In the drug group, the activity of the genes responsible for the absorption of nutrients and trace elements has also returned to the level of pre-glutton exposure.
Towards the first drug against celiac disease?
Although we still cannot speak of a definitive cure, Zed1227 is the most promising candidate developed so far. The researchers underline that the drug could be used in Combination with the gluten free dietespecially in patients with HLA high -risk genotype. The hope is that, with further studies and approvals, this drug can finally offer one effective drug therapy For celiac disease that does not exist for the moment.
