Dr James Daveson and Dr Bob Anderson will share information about new research to assist people suffering from coeliac disease.

An estimated 10,500 people living between Rockhampton and Cairns had the disease, which is caused by an abnormal reaction to gluten. Coeliac disease can be very debilitating for patients, but researchers are working hard to find new ways to prevent it and reduce its symptoms. Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, migraines and even osteoporosis.

The disease affects around one in 70 Australians and is two to three times more likely to affect women than men.

Come to hear more about two trials that CSCRI is offering to people whose coeliac disease has been confirmed by a biopsy and who have been following a gluten-free diet.

Dr Daveson said the first trial involves a drug designed to turn off the body’s immune response to gluten, while the second trial aims to help coeliac patients whose symptoms persist while on a gluten-free diet.