The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation continues to lead the way in advancing research and support for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), playing a pivotal role in every major research breakthrough in the field. With over $500 million invested in research and more than 2,500 projects funded to date, the Foundation’s work is transforming the future of IBD care.
Key Research Breakthroughs & Innovations
Recent discoveries and innovations in IBD research have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes. One exciting development is the identification of biomarkers that can predict when ulcerative colitis patients might experience flare-ups triggered by stress. This knowledge helps patients prepare in advance and manage their condition more effectively.
A new high-tech capsule is revolutionizing treatment by delivering medication directly to the colon, offering a more targeted approach to managing IBD. The Foundation’s groundbreaking platform, IBD Plexus®, continues to accelerate research efforts worldwide, now supporting over 200 research projects and utilizing more than 38,000 biosamples to bring new products to market more quickly.
Additionally, the Foundation is evaluating an oral drug candidate aimed at reducing inflammation and strengthening the gut barrier to prevent harmful bacteria and toxins from leaking through. This new treatment could offer hope for patients struggling with chronic inflammation.
Real-Time Monitoring for IBD
Another breakthrough comes in the form of a wearable device that measures biomarkers in sweat, offering real-time data on a patient’s inflammatory status. This non-invasive monitoring tool could help patients track their condition without the need for frequent, invasive testing, empowering them to better manage their health on a daily basis.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Research
The Foundation places a strong emphasis on ensuring that patients and caregivers are at the center of research and treatment developments. In 2024, a new five-year roadmap was developed in collaboration with scientists, patients, and caregivers to help set research priorities for the IBD community. This approach ensures that the needs of patients guide the direction of research efforts.
As part of its commitment to patient support, the Foundation provides educational resources through programs like MyIBD Learning, which helps over 4,000 patients and caregivers stay informed about the latest IBD information. Additionally, the IBD Help Center offers vital assistance to patients in 170 languages, responding to over 12,000 inquiries annually.
Expanding Access and Support
The Foundation is also focused on addressing disparities in IBD care. For example, a new CDC grant funds a five-year partnership with the University of Alabama to tackle barriers to care faced by Black/African American IBD patients, who often experience higher rates of hospitalization and surgery. This initiative aims to raise awareness and improve care for these communities.
One of the Foundation’s signature programs, Camp Oasis, continues to change the lives of over 1,000 children each summer. A recent study showed that kids with IBD who attend Camp Oasis experience measurable improvements in their well-being, self-worth, medication adherence, and outlook on their future with IBD.
Advocacy and Awareness
The Foundation also leads efforts to protect patient access to care, such as advocating for Step Therapy laws in 37 states, which ensure that medication decisions remain between clinicians and patients. The Foundation has also fought against insurance policies that would delay vital procedures, working with healthcare professionals and patients to rally against policies requiring prior authorization.
Through its Spill Your Guts campaign, which reached a cumulative audience of 122 million, the Foundation continues to raise awareness about IBD and its impact on patients’ lives.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: Advancing Breakthroughs and Improving Lives of IBD Patients
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation remains a driving force in the fight against IBD, spearheading groundbreaking research, improving patient care, and advocating for the IBD community. By prioritizing patient needs and engaging in cutting-edge research, the Foundation is helping to transform the landscape of IBD treatment and care, bringing hope to millions of people living with these chronic conditions.
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