Final Report Summary - CDEUSSA (European platform for research on prevention and treatment of coealic disease: a multidisciplinary approach to integrate scientific knowledge in clinical applications) The ultimate aim of the CDEUSSA project was to narrow the gap amongst the researchers focusing on the basic scientific aspects of Coeliac disease (CD) (immunology, genetics, cereal chemistry) and those working on the clinical and social aspects of the disease (epidemiology, preventive and curative medicine). The specific objectives of the project were the following: - integrate the knowledge on CD from basic science in applications to prevention, clinical treatment and food industry; - organise two European workshops with leading scientific experts, representatives from the industry, coeliac patient's organisations and health experts from the European Community; - integrate the European knowledge and research efforts in the field of CD by producing a state-of-the-art document to establish the scientific basis for future integrated European research on the primary prevention and effective treatment of CD; - recommend the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) on a common European research strategy on novel methods for prevention and treatment of CD; - disseminate the European knowledge and research efforts to increase public awareness of this frequent, however unrecognised public health problem. To achieve the main aim CDEUSSA set up the European multi-Stakeholder platform on coeliac disease. The platform consisted of 110 members from 28 different European countries. Members of the platform represented different areas of expertise, namely there were representatives from scientific research areas such as immunology and genetics, clinicians, public health, ethics, or from food industry and from European regulatory bodies. Furthermore, two European workshops were organised with leading scientific experts, representatives from the industry, coeliac patient organisations and health experts from the European Community. The first workshop was held on 17-18 February 2006 in Naples. The subject was: 'Integrated knowledge on coeliac disease: identification and opportunities'. The aim of this first workshop was to explore and assess current basic knowledge on CD and in addressing key questions on the prevention and treatment. The second workshop was held on 12 November 2006 in New York. The subject of the second workshop was: 'Integrated knowledge on coeliac disease: novel research strategies on treatment and prevention of CD'. The aim of this workshop was to define a European strategy on prevention and efficient treatment of CD integrating basic science in clinical applications and food industry. During the two workshops members of the platform identified four research areas where CD research in the future should be focused on: - prevention 1. The option of primary prevention should be fully explored. 2. Increased knowledge of the potential impact of genetic determinants, immunological pathways, and life-style (environmental) factors were needed, including studies on gene-environment interactions. - treatment 1. New treatment strategies ought to be developed. 2. The development of an animal model of gluten sensitivity to analyse novel treatments for CD. - public health 1. To improve quality of life of the European population by implementing primary prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and improved treatments for CD. 2. To increase the awareness of CD as a public health problem. - patient care The impact of CD on public health with respect to quality of life, burden of morbidity (chronic diseases including autoimmunity) and mortality should be determined. Related documents Final Report - CDEUSSA (European platform for research on prevention and treatment of coealic disease: a multidisciplinary approach to integrate basic scientific knowledge in clinical applications and food industry)
