I find the idea of being able to eat gluten again (safely), after taking some little pill, intriguing. Having said that, though, I have to wonder about the ramifications for those of us who seem to suffer from things like "brain fog" or fatigue after gluten hits our systems...I somehow suspect that these pills would not help in that respect. In any case, it's fun to think about occasionally being able to splurge and eat some forbidden, gluten treats again!
By Randy Key
Published: June 3, 2009
UNDATED—For Jax Peters Lowell, celiac disease is one for the books. She’s written several on the topic, having had an undiagnosed case of the autoimmune disease for years.
Jax Peters Lowell, celiac patient: “Before I was given the gluten-free diet, I just got thinner and thinner and sicker and sicker.“
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. In celiac patients, it wreaks havoc in the digestive tract.
Anthony DiMarino, M.D., gastroenterologist: “When it’s ingested, it sets up a chemical reaction which releases cytokines or chemicals which injure the intestine.“
Symptoms include stomach cramping, pain, bloating, diarrhea and weight loss. Untreated, there are long-term complications like osteoporosis, anemia and other autoimmune disorders like lupus.
Dr. DiMarino: “A gluten-free diet is the only accepted treatment, right now.“
But, what if you could take a pill before a meal to block gluten, and eat anything you want? That’s the idea behind a new experimental drug.
Alessio Fasano, M.D., Mucosa Biologist: “The ultimate goal is to go back to a regular life. To eat whatever you want, whenever you want. How feasible this will be with this kind of treatment? Only time will tell.“
The drug inhibits zonulin, a protein that regulates the absorption of nutrients. Its job is to open and close spaces between tightly-packed cells that line the small intestine, letting vital nutrients in, and keeping destructive proteins, like gluten, out. Too much zonulin…and the space gets jammed open.
Dr. DiMarino: “What you have is a gap in the cells and then things can get through that otherwise would not get through.“
Including gluten, Doctor DiMarino is heading a study on the new drug called AT-1001. He says, so far, the pill seems to keep those spaces between cells closed so gluten can’t get in.
Dr. DiMarino: “It seems to be blocking the things you want it to block. Patients seem to be able to tolerate the gluten with minimal or no side effects.“
Jax took part in the study and is encouraged by the news.
Jax: “To have maybe the pill in my purse and instructions as to how many hours you have to take it ahead of time and have some pizza. Just grab a slice just like anybody else.“
It doesn’t mean the end of a gluten-free diet, but it could allow for an occasional splurge.
---And don't forget, Louis Kestenbaum Twitters
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Louis Kestenbaum and son, Joel Kestenbaum/Fortis Property Group close sale of Galleria Towers
Jones Lang LaSalle announced the firm’s capital markets experts have completed the sale of Galleria Towers I, II & III on behalf of Brooklyn, New York-based Fortis Property Group, LLC, Kestenbaum, to Los-Angeles-based Cannon Commercial. Financial terms were not disclosed but sources close to the transaction estimate the closing price was in excess of $300 million.
Louis Kestenbaum is the father of Joel Kestenbaum, also of Fortis Property. "The disposition of this asset furthers our goals of maximizing investor returns and geographically diversifying the holdings within our portfolio. We achieved close to 100% profit on our equity investment in the Galleria Towers over a one and a half year holding period, and attained similar returns on our recent sale of International Plaza Tower III across the Tollaway."
Fortis Property Group LLC, Louis Kestenbaum and his son Joel Kestenbaum,is a real estate investment, operating and development company. Its real estate projects include the ownership and management of Class A office and industrial properties located throughout the United States.
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