The Chaudière-Appalaches Integrated Health and Social Services Centre Authorized a First Clinical Trial in 8.4 Weeks With the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service and Recruited the First Canadian Participant
The very first collaboration between the Chaudière-Appalaches Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (integrated health and social services centre or CISSS) and CATALIS’ FAST TRACK Evaluation Service has been a resounding success. The healthcare institution authorized a phase II study on celiac disease in 8.4 weeks, making it the first site activated in Canada and the fourth site activated worldwide out of a total of 30 sites in 8 countries. The Chaudière-Appalaches CISSS also recruited the first Canadian participant (second participant worldwide) for this study.
“The Research and Teaching Unit of the Chaudière-Appalaches CISSS is delighted to be partnering with the CATALIS Network. We are proud to have contributed, through the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service, to ensuring that celiac patients in our region have rapid access to this promising treatment and can participate in its development. This success is due in no small part to the effective collaboration between Dr. Samson’s research team, the members of the CATALIS team, the Research Access Point team, the Research Ethics Committee and the relevant departments and services of the institution.”
– Chantal Pilote, Director of Research and University Teaching and Spokesperson, Chaudière-Appalaches CISSS
“There is currently no treatment for people with celiac disease. This is why this trial is so important. Patients with the disease are required to follow a strict diet, which is often a significant psychological, logistical and financial burden, while also experiencing persistent symptoms. Meals, especially those eaten away from home, require constant monitoring and planning. The alternative offered by this trial is therefore significant as it will alleviate the increasing burden experienced by these patients. The rapid access to this promising treatment, available thanks to the CATALIS FAST TRACK Evaluation Service, is a source of satisfaction for our research team, as our priority is the well-being of the Chaudière-Appalaches population.”
– Research Team Led by Dr. Jean-Michel Samson, Gastroenterologist, Chaudière-Appalaches CISSS
There are no approved pharmaceutical treatments for celiac disease available right now. To alleviate symptoms, patients must follow a gluten-free diet, which can result in a significant mental burden and financial cost. The gluten-free diet’s efficiency is limited not only by motivation, access, and cost, but also by the uncertainty associated with the possible gluten content of certain drugs and dietary supplements. In addition to issues with compliance, some patients report persistent symptoms that affect their quality of life. This study, conducted at the Chaudière-Appalaches CISSS, offers hope for an improved quality of life for the 360,000 Canadians (85,000 of whom are Quebecers) living with celiac disease and their loved ones.
The clinical trial aims to recruit 52 participants worldwide, including 3 to 5 in Quebec.
“Coeliaque Quebec is thrilled to see the launch of an international clinical trial on celiac disease through the CATALIS FAST TRACK Evaluation Service. We are extremely proud that the Chaudière-Appalaches region was selected as the first site in Canada and recruited the study’s first patient in Canada. The only known and recognized treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Unfortunately, there are no pharmacological treatments yet. This study, which represents an unprecedented hope of treatment for our community, will foster synergies among the various stakeholders and serve to further develop understanding about the disease.”
– Edith Lalanne, executive director, Cœliaque Quebec
Should you want more information about the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service, please write to us at: info@catalisquebec.com.
