Last month, the Celiac Disease Foundation had the privilege of sponsoring the 2024 International Celiac Disease Symposium in Sheffield, UK. As the first patient advocate invited to chair and present on a scientific panel, CEO Marilyn Geller led the End Points in Clinical Trials session, where she emphasized the critical role patient advocacy plays in advancing therapeutic breakthroughs for celiac disease. Marilyn showcased case studies from our iRecruitCeliac platform, which has successfully screened more than 37,000 patients worldwide for participation in celiac drug trials. This level of precision and reach continues to position iRecruitCeliac as a groundbreaking tool in clinical trial recruitment.
In addition, Vanessa Weisbrod, our Chief Education Officer, presented in the clinical forum on the success of our Culinary Medicine initiative. This training program is significantly enhancing physician and dietitian confidence in counseling patients with celiac disease, a critical component in improving long-term patient outcomes.
Our team also presented 10 original research abstracts, partnering with organizations including Takeda, Adelphi, and UC Davis, and showcasing important data from our iCureCeliac patient registry in collaboration with UCSF. These research efforts matter to our patient community because they help inform the development of new treatments and ensure that patient-reported outcomes guide the future of celiac disease research. The data we contribute are shaping the way scientists, drug developers and public policy experts understand the needs of those living with celiac disease.
Furthering our commitment to global collaboration, the Celiac Disease Foundation hosted a leadership dinner, bringing together 30 representatives from international patient advocacy organizations. This event launched a formal partnership focused on advancing research and improving patient care on a global scale.
We also actively participated in the Global Strategic Alliance, working alongside researchers and clinicians from the International Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (ISSCD), the Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD), and the European Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (ESsCD). This alliance strengthens our shared commitment to advancing research, expanding treatment options, and improving the quality of life for individuals with celiac disease worldwide.
As we continue to lead in advocacy and research, these partnerships and presentations reinforce our mission to accelerate progress for the global celiac disease community.
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