Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity research are desperately underfunded around the world, especially here in the United States. The National Institutes of Health’s Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition and Disease Categories has 250+ line items. Celiac disease is not among them. This lack of funding by government and private sources is the primary reason there still is no cure for celiac disease…or a vaccine…or even a treatment for accidental exposure to gluten.
Celiac Disease Foundation, however, is committed to improving the lives of those living with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders, diagnosed or undiagnosed. One of the most significant impacts we can have is improving the flow of research dollars to study the disease.
Our plan has three principal components:
1) CDF-funded research
2) harnessing Big Data
3) federal and state advocacy
In this Research Brief, I want to discuss with you the first element of the plan, CDF-funded research, and suggest how you can help.
Because our resources are obviously limited, our objective is to be a catalyst – to fund proof-of-concept research that, if successful, could trigger broader research investment from multiple sources. Right now, our small but ambitious portfolio includes:
- A curriculum development program at USC Keck School of Medicine to help primary care physicians correctly identify celiac disease symptoms and to order screening for the disease. The Simon Family Foundation is the lead donor on this program.
- A partnership with Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C. to expand mental health education to address the emotional and psychological issues of people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. The Resnick Family is the lead donor on this program.
- The CDF Young Investigator Award, developed with the North American Society for the Study of Celiac Disease, to provide catalyst annual grants to emerging scientists to encourage fresh approaches and new thinking about celiac disease research.
We are determined to make a positive difference in the lives of celiac disease patients and others with gluten-related disorders. Please consider helping us today. Make your generous, tax-deductible gift today of $25 or more to help advance CDF’s research agenda.
To Our Health,
Marilyn