In September, 2013, Dr. Ferd Massari joined ImmusanT as chief medical officer and senior vice president. With more than 20 years in clinical research experience, Dr. Ferdinand Massari's duties include the development of a new treatment to help people suffering from celiac disease.

1. By Ferd Massari

2. 
In September, 2013, Dr. Ferd Massari joined
ImmusanT as chief medical officer and senior
vice president. With more than 20 years in
clinical research experience, Dr. Ferdinand
Massari's duties include the development of a
new treatment to help people suffering from
celiac disease.

3. 
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease
triggered by gluten, a protein present in such
grains as barley, rye, and wheat. If ingested,
the gluten causes an immune response that
triggers inflammation in the small intestines.
Left untreated, the inflammation keeps
nutrients from being absorbed into the blood
stream and causes chronic immune
stimulation and intestinal damage.

4. 
Symptoms usually include abdominal bloating,
diarrhea, and weight loss. Over time, patients
with Celiac disease may develop osteoporosis
with an increased risk of fractures, vitamin
deficiencies and, in some cases, lymphoma or
hepatic dysfunction. A gluten free diet is the only
current treatment for celiac disease. However,
patients often find a gluten free diet challenging
to adhere to since as little gluten as contained in
1/100th of a slice of bread can trigger disease.
ImmusanT is working on a vaccine leading to
immunological tolerance to gluten allowing
patients to return to a normal diet.