A year ago, we announced the launch of Beyond Celiac Investments (BCI). This first-of-its-kind venture philanthropy program sought $2 million in initial funding to invest directly in promising treatments. Though we have supported research for many years, this program is different in that it pools donations together and invests them directly into promising treatments. Additionally, funds earned on BCI investments go back into funding research, creating an ongoing cycle of support for scientific discovery.
As our research program grew over the last twenty years, we began to see that achieving treatments and a cure for celiac disease would require more time than we wanted to wait. We developed our comprehensive science plan to address the barriers that slow down celiac disease research and advance the scientific priorities that accelerate it. Beyond Celiac Investments is the capstone piece of the science plan.
Celiac disease research is at an inflection point, and the scientific community is poised. More pharmaceutical companies are pursuing celiac treatments. But funding continues to be a challenge. With Beyond Celiac Investments, we can identify promising research and help remove the funding barrier that could be holding up the breakthroughs we need to finally identify treatments for celiac disease.
Oftentimes, companies with promising treatments dissolve if they cannot get funding, and the once-exciting treatment languishes in what is known as the valley of death in the pharma world. Currently, only 1 in 11 assets make it to market, but BCI can be the fuel that celiac treatments need to get through the valley of death and into clinical trials. The fuel the companies need to get to treatments is us, the community.
As a community, I know many are tired of waiting for others to decide celiac disease is significant enough to warrant treatments beyond the gluten-free diet. I know it’s tiresome to defend your diet and advocate for your health day in and day out. I know you want your children to enjoy foods and activities just like every kid who eats without fear. We are here to take some of that burden off your shoulders through education and support, but ultimately, by securing the treatments that will take us beyond the gluten-free diet and beyond celiac disease.
You can be part of this new frontier for celiac disease research, too! We pool donations of all sizes, from $1 to upwards of $100,000, and invest in projects that could create a world Beyond Celiac disease and attract additional investors.
Beyond Celiac has always been a leader in innovation in the celiac disease and gluten-free communities, and our venture philanthropy fund BCI only adds to that legacy. From the beginning, the celiac disease community has supported every step of progress, from food labeling and diagnosis education to today’s scientific breakthroughs. Beyond Celiac Investments is our most aggressive step forward yet, and we urge you to continue on this journey. Truly, every donation counts. Our power is in collective action; the larger our group, the better.
Join the fight and donate today at BeyondCeliac.org/giving.
Together for a cure beyond celiac!
—Alice Bast, CEO
Dallas, we are so happy to be coming back to your area! Everyone we met was warm and welcoming and oh-so-ready to build up a gluten-free community. Join us for the 2025 Dallas Step Beyond Celiac, presented by DiGiorno, California Pizza Kitchen, and Jack’s, on Saturday, April 5th from 9 AM–12 PM at Dallas College Brookhaven. Together we’ll enjoy the outdoors, gluten-free goodies, meeting others in the community, and, of course, raising money for our critical work to serve folks like you all over the world!
Lace up your shoes and help us race toward the ultimate finish line—a cure for celiac disease!
This gluten-free taco dip is sure to please guests at any gathering, like a Super Bowl watch party. Customize it by adding your favorite taco toppings, like corn, lettuce, and jalapeños. Enjoy with chips, crackers, or on tortilla of choice!
Whether you’re celebrating friendships, family, romance, or self-love this Valentine’s Day, these ooey-gooey gluten-free brownies will delight anyone.
Looking for a nuttier flavor? Try this hazelnut fudge brownie recipe.
Is vinegar gluten-free?
Most vinegar is gluten-free. However, if you are on a strict, gluten-free diet, you should avoid malt vinegar, which contains barley. As with any product, be sure to read the label to ensure it’s gluten-free before enjoying! Learn more about vinegar.
Top 5 research news stories from Beyond Celiac in 2024
In the digital age, it’s easy for information to get lost in the flood of a feed. To catch you up to speed, we’re sharing the top celiac disease research stories of 2024, based on visits from community members like you.
Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Debra Silberg discusses 2024 celiac disease research
More of a listener than a reader? Rewatch our January Town Hall with Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Debra Silberg, who discussed the top celiac disease research news stories from 2024, answered questions from patients like yourself, and revealed what research and results she’s most looking forward to in 2025. Watch on our website or on YouTube.
Read more research news on our Research News Feed
“When I described my inconsistent symptoms to the doctor, even he didn’t think I had celiac disease due to the randomness of my reactions. However, he decided to test me for celiac disease regardless. The blood test and endoscopy came back positive.
When most people finally realize all of the things I cannot eat, they always say they don’t know how I can go without eating it. But for me, I honestly didn’t find it difficult to stop eating gluten because I was just glad to not experience that level of pain anymore.”
LA Wildfires: How to Help Those in Need of Allergy-Friendly Food
Members of the food allergy community have stepped up to help California residents in need of allergy-safe food and medications as the Los Angeles wildfires continue to burn. Check out this article to learn about resources for those in need and how to donate and help provide safe food.
Beyond Celiac Names Mary Kate Carofano as President
Mary Kate Carofano has been promoted from Chief Operating Officer to President of the national non-profit Beyond Celiac, the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure. Carofano will work in partnership with founder and CEO Alice Bast to set the overall vision and develop the strategic imperatives of Beyond Celiac.
Podcast episode 88: Eating Gluten-Free with Lauren Murawski
Did you know that we have a podcast? In the most recent episode of Celiac Straight Talk, we chatted with Lauren of @eat.glutenfreewithme, a health and wellness creator focused on gluten-free living and autoimmune health. The discussion centered around a love-hate relationship with the gluten-free diet, her journey to creating content about living with celiac disease, IBS, and Crohn’s, and what it’s like living somewhere where the gluten-free diet is a fad.
Are you a highly organized, proactive individual with previous research-related experience and a proven track record of leading projects and working independently? Then you might just be the perfect fit for our Associate Director of Scientific Research position! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so apply sooner rather than later.
Raise Money for Beyond Celiac on Facebook!
Happy birth-month to all our February-born community members! When your big day rolls around, consider raising money for Beyond Celiac so that we can help fund new research by scientists in the celiac disease field. And a HUGE thank you to everyone who’s created fundraisers for us throughout the years! These fundraisers help make our important work possible.
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