Autoimmune Awareness Month
March is autoimmune awareness month! Although celiac disease is usually treated by a gastroenterologist, it is actually an autoimmune disease. Even though there is no cure (yet!), people with celiac disease can still live full lives—and in our newsletter this month, you’ll find resources to live your best gluten-free life, as well as celiac disease news. Here are a few highlights:
- Gluten-free spring survival guide, with tips and recipes for holidays in March, April, and May.
- Beyond Celiac welcomed Dr. Jessica Lee to the team—her experience as FDA Division Director of Gastroenterology will enhance our ability to support research for a cure!
- Find a new resource in the Caregiver’s Corner for student athletes with celiac disease.
- Interested in participating in research opportunities? We’re recruiting for two new trials evaluating potential treatments for celiac disease and looking for your opinion on gluten-free labeling laws in the United States—responses from individuals like you will shape the Beyond Celiac response to the FDA’s request for information.
News & Updates
Gluten-Free Spring Survival Guide
Spring is an exciting time of year for many of us. It means increased temperatures and the return of flowers and life outside. Springtime holds a number of holidays such as Easter, Passover, St Patrick’s Day, Mothers Day and Cinco De Mayo (and of course, Celiac Awareness Month is May!). We’ve compiled a list of safe, gluten-free food and candy ideas so you can enjoy the season.
Beyond Celiac Appoints Former FDA Division Director Dr. Jessica J. Lee As Chief Regulatory Officer
During her 14-year tenure at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Dr. Lee oversaw the review of investigational and approved therapies across a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases, including celiac disease. Her expertise will further strengthen our efforts to develop effective treatments toward a cure for celiac disease.
Gluten-Free Events
Want to connect with the celiac and gluten-free community? Check out our list of gluten-free events in the United States, including meetups in LA and NYC!
We’ve got additional events planned for spring and summer, so be sure to bookmark the page so you don’t miss when a new one is added!
Have an event you want us to add? Reach out to Valerie at [email protected].
Featured Event: Evening Beyond Celiac
Join us at our annual gala to honor Alice Bast with a special Founder’s Award in recognition of the critical impact she has had on the celiac disease community, leading Beyond Celiac for the past 23 years. Board Chair Alan Ehrlich, M.D., will be recognized as the 2026 IMPACT Honoree for his exceptional leadership and remarkable contributions to the Beyond Celiac community. Together, we’re creating a world Beyond Celiac!
Scholarships for Students with Celiac Disease
Celiac College Guide is offering two $1,000 scholarships to students in the United States with celiac disease who are enrolling in a university this fall. These awards recognize personal growth, leadership, and efforts to improve awareness, safety, and access within the celiac disease community. Students may apply for one or both scholarships. The deadline is April 18.
Gluten-Free Recipes
Irish Stew
Celebrate St. Patty’s day with a hearty Irish stew—lamb, carrots, and potatoes, all slow-cooked in herbs until the ingredients are fall-apart tasty. Pair it with a gluten-free beer if you so desire!
Lemon Squares
A beautiful blend of tangy and sweet filling atop a crumbly shortbread base. Don’t be intimidated—control the sourness by adjusting the amount of lemon juice you add.
Trivia Question of the Month
Question
Researchers have identified more than 100 autoimmune diseases so far. Can you name at least three autoimmune diseases?
Answer
Well-known autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and yes, celiac disease!
Check out a list of about 100 autoimmune conditions on the Autoimmune Association website, or 140+ conditions on the Global Autoimmune Institute website.
Scientists are working hard to learn more about our bodies, and more autoimmune conditions may be identified in the future.
Caregiver’s Corner
As the spring sports season gets underway, schedules can get hectic with practices and games filling the week. You can’t always be with your kid, but you can send their coach our “Coaching Athletes with Celiac Disease” resource so they can better understand celiac disease, the gluten-free diet, and how they can support your child’s health. Best of luck this season!
Caregiver’s Corner is proudly sponsored by Jones Dairy Farm, maker of certified GF, all-natural sausage & naturally smoked meats.
Research News
Forte Biosciences is launching new Phase 2 trial in the United States
Forte Biosciences is launching its new Phase 2 clinical trial in the United States, assessing FB102, a new potential celiac disease treatment. The trial is enrolling approximately 100 participants and will have up to 30 sites across the United States.
Research Suggests Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity is Uncommon; Learn What Most People May Have
A literature review published in The Lancet suggests that just 16–30% of people who report gluten intolerance had symptoms truly triggered by gluten.
Research Opportunities
How Would You Change Gluten-Free Labels in the US? Survey
The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a Request for Information on gluten-free labels. As a patient advocacy group, we want to know what you think! Please take our brief survey, created in partnership with Celiac Journey—responses from individuals like you will shape how Beyond Celiac responds to the FDA.
We also encourage individuals to submit independent comments—tell the FDA what you think!
AVALON
*Intended for a US audience*
AVALON is a phase 1 clinical trial assessing the investigational drug VTP-1000 in adults with celiac disease. This investigational targeted immunotherapy is designed to prevent or reduce symptoms from accidental gluten exposure by promoting tolerance to gluten.
- 18–65 years old
- Celiac disease confirmed by biopsy within the past 10 years
- Have been on a gluten-free diet for 12+ months
Additional criteria apply, and compensation for your time and travel may be available. Learn more at beyondceliac.org/avalon.
Forte
*Intended for a US audience*
FB102-301 is a phase 2 clinical trial assessing FB102, a potential celiac disease treatment that may prevent inflammation and damage in the small intestine in people with celiac disease.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Are 18-70 years old
- Have celiac disease confirmed by biopsy and blood serology more than 12 months ago
- Have maintained a gluten-free diet for at least 12 months
Additional eligibility requirements apply
To learn more about FB102-301 and find a site near you, visit the study website.
DAISY Study
*Intended for a US audience*
Tired of dealing with celiac? We are seeking volunteers living with celiac disease to join the DAISY clinical research study to help us further develop our knowledge of celiac disease and discover a potential new medication option.
By joining the DAISY Study, you may receive:
- study-required investigational medication at no cost
- study-related care at no cost
- reimbursement for study-related travel expenses.
Health insurance is not required to take part. Are you eligible? Learn More
Voices of Celiac: Jessica W’s Story
“The doctors told me ‘go gluten-free for the rest of your life’ and sent me off. It took months of research, learning things the hard way, and not getting better for me to come to the place I am at today.
I honestly feel like I’ve grown so much since being diagnosed. I’ve done things I never would have before; for example, I jumped out of a plane at 14,000 feet! Coolest experience of my life, and I couldn’t have done that without the confidence that living with celiac disease has given me.”
