Preliminary results from a clinical trial conducted by researchers at Columbia University’s Celiac Disease Center in New York show that an experimental drug developed by the American company First Tracks Biotherapeutics may help reduce gluten-induced intestinal damage and alleviate associated celiac disease symptoms, paving the way for new treatment options for patients.
Phase One Results
The company stated in a statement published the day before yesterday on its website that Phase One trial results showed the drug, named "ANB033," helped reduce intestinal damage and symptoms in patients who consumed gluten for 14 days after adhering to a gluten-free diet. The trial included 32 patients, 17 of whom received the experimental drug, while 15 received a placebo. Participants were asked to consume six grams of gluten daily over two weeks.
Efficacy and Safety
The results showed that the drug limited damage to the intestinal lining and reduced the rise in certain indicators related to immune response compared to the placebo. Only about 6 percent of patients who received the drug needed medication to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, compared to 47 percent of those who received the placebo. The results indicated that the drug was well-tolerated during the trial, with no serious side effects recorded among patients who received it.
Mechanism of Action and Future
The drug works by targeting an immune receptor known as "CD122," aiming to reduce signals sent by the proteins "interleukin 15" and "interleukin 2." Researchers intend to continue evaluating the drug in additional clinical trials, with preliminary results from this phase expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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