A small molecule drug being trialled in Auchenflower could soon change how coeliac disease is treated, by repairing the gut without suppressing the immune system.
Auchenflower Trial Offers New Hope for Locals Living With Coeliac Disease
A clinical trial underway in Auchenflower is bringing new hope to people living with coeliac disease, with early findings pointing to a treatment that may help repair the gut without relying solely on a gluten-free diet.
Led by Dr. James Daveson at Wesley Research Institute, the study tests IMU-856, a small molecule drug by U.S.-based Immunic Inc., as part of a broader trial across Australia and New Zealand. Results were recently published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
A Different Approach to Treatment
Unlike current methods that require strict gluten avoidance, IMU-856 targets a protein called SIRT6, which plays a key role in maintaining the gut’s protective barrier. The drug supports gut wall repair and renewal without suppressing the immune system — a shift from traditional approaches.
The drug improved gut structure, eased symptoms, and boosted nutrient absorption in coeliac patients, with a favourable safety profile. Dr Daveson said it’s the first study to show IMU-856 may ease gluten-related damage in clinical conditions.
Community and Clinical Impact
Trial participants came from across Australia and New Zealand, with many attending appointments in Auchenflower. For locals managing coeliac disease, the study reflects an important step toward more flexible treatment options.
With results looking positive, the drug is expected to move into Phase 2 trials. Researchers are also exploring its potential for other gut disorders that currently have limited treatments.
What This Means for Auchenflower
The trial places Auchenflower at the heart of medical research that could reshape how coeliac disease is managed in Australia and beyond. As studies continue, residents and researchers alike are hopeful for what comes next.
Published 25-March-2025