Celiac Disease Foundation Showcases Research and Advocacy at AOECS 2024
Reinforcing our commitment to advancing celiac disease research, education, and advocacy on a global scale, the Celiac Disease Foundation proudly sponsored the 2024 Annual Conference of the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS). As a North American affiliate member since 2018, the Foundation has deepened collaborations to improve the lives of individuals with celiac disease worldwide. At this international gathering, we were invited to present on clinical trial recruitment, patient registries, and food labeling regulations, further strengthening global efforts to accelerate treatments and a cure.
Driving Innovation Through Research and Collaboration
At AOECS 2024, the Foundation presented two impactful research posters, co-authored by CEO Marilyn Geller:
- Development of a Novel Celiac Disease Symptom Tracker App – In collaboration with Takeda, this research highlights the development of a mobile application designed to help individuals with celiac disease track their symptoms, dietary adherence, and overall health outcomes.
- Rates of Biopsy-Confirmed Celiac Disease Diagnosis and Gluten-Free Adherence in Europe and the United States: A Real-World Survey – Conducted in partnership with Adelphi Real World, this study compares diagnosis rates and dietary adherence among individuals with celiac disease across different regions, shedding light on disparities and opportunities for improved patient care.
Advancing Celiac Disease Research Through Patient Registries and Clinical Trial Recruitment
During the conference, CEO Marilyn Geller delivered a presentation on Advancing Celiac Disease Research Through Patient Registries and Clinical Trial Recruitment. Her talk emphasized the critical role that patient registries play in accelerating research, facilitating clinical trials, and ultimately bringing new treatments to individuals living with celiac disease.
Global Collaboration on Food Labeling Regulations
Floris Van Overveld, AOECS Chair, shared key takeaways from the October 2024 Session of the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL48), where he and Celiac Disease Foundation CEO Marilyn Geller, serving as a member of the U.S. Codex Delegation, presented together to ensure that celiac disease remains a priority in Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL) guidelines. Their advocacy reinforced the need for clear, standardized labeling to protect individuals with celiac disease and food allergies from unintended gluten exposure and to empower our community with the information necessary to make safe food choices.
Looking Ahead
Our participation at AOECS 2024 reaffirms the Celiac Disease Foundation’s mission to advance research, foster global collaboration, and advocate for improved patient care. As we continue to support innovative research and education initiatives, we remain dedicated to ensuring that individuals with celiac disease receive the highest standard of care worldwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on our international advocacy efforts and research initiatives!