Would you take weekly shots just to eat gluten again?

That’s the reality of the Nexvax2 vaccine, currently being tested in phase II.  Nexvax2 works like any vaccine, where you are actually injected with the virus, causing an immune response.  Since celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder, Nexvax actually contains the peptide that most celiacs (90%)  have already that responds to gluten like a virus or bacteria.  Apparently, in phase I testing, the gastrointenstinal stress that some participants endured after receiving injections was evidence that they had isolated the right peptide.

That’s the basic science.  One shot won’t do the job, however, for celiacs.  Instead, the Nexvax2 is much like allergy shots that people get regularly to control their environmental allergies.  However, unlike seasonal allergy sufferers, celiacs don’t have to become hermits to avoid their allergen.  All we have to do is avoid certain foods.

I’m not saying avoiding gluten is easy, but it’s certainly doable and eventually becomes part of life.  Gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free or nutrient-free, and for many has helped them become healthier in general.  I always tell people that if I could eat gluten, I would.  But would I endure regular injections to have the occasional slice of cake at a co-worker’s birthday party or late night pizza?  I don’t think so.

What about you?  What are your thoughts on the celiac vaccine?