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                        UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
                      CENTER FOR CELIAC RESEARCH
                     MULTICENTER SEROLOGICAL STUDY
                     UPDATE AS OF January 31, 1999
____________________________________________________


PROGRESS OF STUDY

We have tested  1,579 samples as part of the Multicenter Serological
Study for the prevalence of celiac disease in the United States.  Our
preliminary findings indicate a  5.8% positive finding of first degree
relatives and  a 3.2% positive finding of second degree relatives of
celiacs.  These findings are in the same range as were found in most of
the European studies done in previous years.

As we initially stated in our protocol, we will need to test a total of
45,000 blood samples.  The six (6) regional centers have begun minimal
screening of study participants.  Now we need the necessary dollars to
put the study into full operation.  Blood testing, supplies, and
shipping charges will increase significantly in direct proportion to the
samples processed.

PROGRESS OF FUND RAISING

As of January 31, 1999, the University of Maryland's Center for Celiac
Research  has received approximately $231,000 in contributions and
pledges. We thank all of you who have made a contribution or pledge.

As we reported in the September update, when we began this effort back
in May of 1977, we suggested that if 1000 Celiacs, relatives or friends
would make a commitment to pledge $200 per year for three (3) years, we
would be on our way to funding this extremely important study.  As of
September 1st,  we had  received only 122 pledges in the amount of
$70,335.  To date, we have received only 8 additional pledges; however,
we did receive a significant number of cash contributions for which we
are very grateful.

For now, we cannot rely on any outside financial assistance.  So please,
help us to help you.  Remember we are not asking you to make a
contribution, but to make an investment in the well being of every
celiac - now and in the future.

We wanted to advise everyone that due to circumstances beyond our
control our voice mail line 410 706-2715 crashed on December 20th.  The
problem was corrected on January 11th; however, all messages that were
left during that time were lost.  We apologize for any inconvenience
this may have caused.


WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1)      If you have not made a pledge or contribution, please consider
        making one at this time. Please make checks payable to the UM
        Foundation, Inc. Center for Celiac Research, Attn:  Pam King,
        700 W. Lombard St. Room 206, Baltimore, MD  21201. These funds
        are administered by the University of Maryland Foundation, Inc.

2)      If possible, increase your current pledge or make another gift
        at this time.

3)      Discuss the importance of this study with fellow celiacs,
        relatives, friends or whoever might be in a position to help.
        Ask them to contribute.

4)      Organize discussions and/or fund-raising efforts with your local
        support group.  For example, Tri-County Celiac Sprue from Walled
        Lake, MI organized a bake sale and the Greater Louisville Celiac
        Sprue Support Group organized a walk/run event.  Both donated
        the proceeds to the Center.

5)      Help us to identify possible organization, companies, trusts or
        foundations that might be in a position to help.  Please contact
        Pam King at 410-706-8021 if you have any questions or need any
        assistance.

6)      Send contributions to the Center for Celiac Research in honor or
        in memory of a friend or loved one.  Make a gift to the Center
        in honor of the new year.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

The University of Maryland's Center for Celiac Research, the University
of Chicago's Medical Center, and the University of California, San Diego
are pleased to announce joint sponsorship of the 9th  International
Symposium on Celiac Disease to be held August 10-13, 2000 in Baltimore,
Maryland.  For the first time this prestigious meeting that attracts the
world's most renowned and respected experts on celiac disease will
convene in the United States.  Leaders and members of celiac communities
from around the world will also be in attendance.  We anticipate a very
large attendance and will release additional information as it becomes
available.

Our purpose in releasing this information to you at this time is to give
you enough time to plan on attending and participating in what will be
another unprecedented milestone in the history of celiac disease the
United States.

Thank you for your commitment to the celiac community.

Pam King
Director of External Affairs