For millions of gluten sensitive sufferers, eating even a microscopic amount of gluten — foods laced with wheat or other grains — frequently leads to illness.
A new drug called Larazotide Acetate, developed by a University of Alberta doctor, has been called ‘revolutionary’ for its promise to help such people to lead a normal life.
Larazotide Acetate was shown in three clinical trials to reduce the effects of gluten in up to 85% of subjects with celiac disease. The pill may offer patients the freedom to eat out at restaurants, or go to a friends house for dinner without getting sick from gluten contaminated food.
A fourth clinical trial is slated for later this year, and the drug could be made available by 2012.
(Compiled from reports in both CTV.com or Celiac.com)