I Want it All, and I Want it Now
It’s so totally Celiac Awareness Month, peeps! It’s that time of year where those of us in this autoimmune disease boat spread the word because, hey, a load of you out there have the “c” word and don’t even know it. In fact, if you’ve been wondering if that crappy stomach biz, those aching joints, that weird rash that won’t go away could be celiac disease, PLEASE head right to the doctor and talk about the necessary tests to check your shizzle OUT.
Take a look here, and go to your doc. I know you don’t want to because croissants are delicious, but if you have to choose between a buttery croissant fresh from the oven and shitting out your lungs, well . . . No. Get tested. Honestly.
Which brings me to that point when a celiac breaks.
No, I have not broken down and shoved brioche in my gluten-hole, but I have to say that after 5.3 years in, I am DONE with this gluten-free bullshit. DONE. I want some big ass burritos, some buttery Ritz crackers, a giant slice of soft and fluffy birthday cake, some normal pizza, some mother scratching puffed out pancakes with a side of gluten. I. Want. It.
But, yeah, the pain will never be worth it. Which is just so dumb. So in that case, I’m taking a look at where we’re at with some of those pills/vaccines/voodoo curses that could, perhaps, maybe, one day allow me just a smidgen of a crumpet. Because I’m breaking, ya’ll. I’m breaking. Generally breaking usually involves me eating way too much ice cream, so checking in on the scientific advancements in the treatment of celiac disease is making me feel much more adult-like and responsible.
Here’s the latest:
A pill that is designed to protect a celiac’s gut by escorting gliadins out of the body, the official description begins as such:
“BL-7010 is a novel, high molecular weight, non-absorbable, orally available polymer intended for the treatment of celiac disease. It has a high affinity for gliadins, the immunogenic proteins present in gluten that cause celiac disease. By sequestering gliadins, BL-7010 effectively masks them from enzymatic degradation and prevents the formation of immunogenic peptides that trigger the immune system. This significantly reduces the immune response triggered by gluten.”
While the last clinical trial was held in 2014, the BioLineRX website appears to say that the company has secured a certain drug classification in Europe to proceed into the consumer-phere. At least this is my understanding of language my state school did not teach me as I obtained my art history degree. So…we may have to travel to Europe to get a stash? Once it’s approved and shown to have no other adverse effects such as a dramatic and painful interaction with your multi-vitamin? I think that’s where we’re at.
Alba Therapeutics, Larazotide Acetate
While the Alba Therapeutics website is down, I did find information regarding the larazotide acetate drug on the Innovate Biopharmaceuticals website. New name? New company? I dunno, but it looks like they’ve completed phase 3 of the trials for the drug that helps close the “leaky gut” celiacs have, thus allowing the proteins to get all over the place and wreak havoc. Not quite the same as a treatment for celiac, more a helper in case you get accidentally gluten’d, more trials are expected later this year.
The “celiac vaccine” is clearly the treatment I’m most excited about, as if these trials are successful it could mean the end to our bodies reacting to gluten. The results from the most recent trial were released today, and it appears the trial was successful, but the vaccination cycle needs to be tested for a longer period to see if the effects could be long-term. Again, not a scientist, so reading the release means a yokel interpretation.
Long story short, ImmusanT is moving forward with more research after these prior trials did show that the vaccine was well-tolerated. More trials will be conducted to determine any negative reactions to the materials in the vaccine, any long-term progress, and any other potential side effects. Godspeed.
So keep on keepin’ on, pharmaceutical companies. We’re dying for some puff pastry over here.
Gluten is my Bitch 
I am so with you, but agree that the aftermath is never worth the cheat. I’ve found that Trader Joe’s frozen gluten-free pancakes do the trick and are delicious. Onward with the scientific investigations!
It never is. I never cheat, but yet find myself getting some kind of cross contamination or what not way too often.
Hi! I am just today re-reading your great book, to see if I could bear giving it away to a friend with a newly diagnosed child. You are so funny that I have to keep it. I have never read your blog before. You are awesome. Thank you.
I am happy to finally be here on your blog.
I too read up on all of the possibilities…. I’ve been doing this shit for 6 years now and it sucks. It still sucks so bad. I feel ya.