People living with coeliac disease across Central and North Queensland are being sought to take part in two clinical trials of new treatments for their condition.
Dr James Daveson, a gastroenterologist at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, said an estimated 10,500 people living between Rockhampton and Cairns had the disease, which is caused by an abnormal reaction to gluten.
"Coeliac disease can be very debilitating for patients, but researchers are working hard to find new ways to prevent it and reduce its symptoms," Dr Daveson said.
"Most clinical trials in Australia are run in metropolitan cities and only recruit local participants, but it's important that regional patients have access to innovative therapies too.
"The treatments we are looking at have passed early phase trials and are some of the most advanced clinical trial therapies yet available for coeliac disease."
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine and can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, migraines and even osteoporosis.
The disease affects around one in 70 Australians and is two to three times more likely to affect women than men.
Dr Daveson is seeking adults whose coeliac disease has been confirmed by a biopsy and have been following a gluten-free diet to take part in the trials, which will be run by the Coral Sea Clinical Research Institute based at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.
"These therapies have the potential to treat patients globally," Dr Daveson said.
"Having local residents involved in the studies mean that if they work, they are working for Australian participants – not just those from overseas who may have slightly different immune responses."
Participants living in the Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns regions are able to join the trial. The trial sponsors will reimburse travel and accommodation costs.
Dr Daveson said the first trial involved a drug designed to turn off the body's immune response to gluten, while the second trial aims to help coeliac patients whose symptoms persist while on a gluten-free diet.
An information night will be held on Wednesday 2 April at Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay, with presentations by Dr Daveson and Dr Robert Anderson, a fellow expert in coeliac disease.
