<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

ActoGenix is a recently formed Belgian company specializing in the
development and use of genetically altered probitic Lactococcus lactis
bacteria designed to secrete and deliver therapeutic peptides and
proteins to treat gastrointestinal disorders.  Their product is called
ActoBiotics.  Celiac disease is among the disorders ActoGenix is
currently investigating.  Research has already shown efficacy in a celiac
disease model where ActoBiotics continuously secrete small segments
of gluten peptides to induce tolerance to gluten.  Further research and
trials are in the pipeline.

Shortly after the release of a recent paper by Italian researchers
demonstrating that a peptide from durum wheat is able to completely
suppress the immune response to gluten in a culture of celiac disease
intestinal T cells (see
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/2/415 ), I contacted
ActoGenix to suggest they work with the Italian researchers to create
an ActoBiotic designed to continuously secrete the durum wheat
peptide as a therapy for celiac disease.  ActoGenix replied and was
very interested in the durum wheat peptide, indicating it was possible
for them to produce an ActoBiotic to secrete the durum wheat peptide
and they would contact the Italian group.  I also attempted to contact
the Italian researchers to inform them about ActoGenix, but they did
not reply.  I strongly believe that a collaboration between these two
groups would result in the speediest and most successful development
of a treatment which could effectively "cure" celiac disease through
continous secretion of the durum wheat peptide by genetically
modified probiotic bacteria in the gut.

ActoGenix has recently totally revised their website which is now much
more informative and includes short videos discussing ActoBiotics as
well as a short video presentation of their celiac disease research.
Their website is http://www.actogenix.com and celiac disease is
discussed at
http://www.actogenix.com/eng/products/celiacdisease.php .

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