Canadian medical research breakthrough - Gut bacteria combination shows risk for Crohn's disease

Opens the door for prevention and new treatments

TORONTO, July 25, 2023 /CNW/ - A Canadian research team has discovered that the gut bacteria combination of those who go on to develop Crohn's disease is different from those who remain healthy - years before they develop Crohn's. This breakthrough opens the door to new ways to prevent its onset before symptoms appear, and for new treatments.

A Discovery that will Drive Progress

GEM Project discovery summary infographic (CNW Group/Crohn's & Colitis Canada)

Dr. Ken Croitoru of Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, part of Sinai Health, GEM Project Architect and Lead Investigator, said: "Since 2008, the global, unique Genetic, Environmental and Microbial (GEM) Project has been following 5,000 healthy relatives of people with Crohn's disease around the world.

He continued: "These years of effort led us to recently discover that a specific combination of gut bacteria is connected to the future development of Crohn's disease. We're starting to see the pattern of bacteria that may be triggering Crohn's disease, moving us closer to better treatments for those with the disease or even preventing it for those at risk. I'm hopeful that within five years, patients will benefit through evidence-based treatments focused on the gut bacteria or diet modification."

Lori Radke, President & CEO, Crohn's and Colitis Canada, said: "We challenged our research partners in 2007 to develop a study to accelerate progress to a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. As a result, the GEM Project was born. We're proud to deliver groundbreaking results based on that foresight.

She continued: "This discovery is inspiring for the Crohn's and colitis community. It gives us hope for major improvements in care and prevention for this lifelong disease. We're incredibly thankful to our donors who have supported us for 15 years, and our major funding partner The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust."

Background on t he Genetic, Environmental, Microbial (GEM) Project

• In 2007, Crohn's and Colitis Canada challenged its research partners to propose a study to accelerate the discovery of a cure for Crohn's and colitis. They came back with the proposal for the GEM Project 
• By the numbers
• 2008 start
• 5,000 healthy first-degree relatives (children, siblings) of people with Crohn's disease being followed over the years   
• When they enter GEM, their diet, immune function, intestinal barrier, gut bacteria, genetics and environment are assessed
• Check in every 6 months to see if they develop Crohn's disease
• More than 100 have developed Crohn's disease
• 107 international tracking sites in 7 countries – Canada, USA, United Kingdom, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden
• $22 million CAD invested to date
• 17 scientific publications since 2015

Crohn's disease

• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These are lifelong diseases that inflame the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and lead to severe diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding and blood in the stool, unrelenting abdominal pain and cramps, fatigue – and more. There is no cure
• These diseases usually start in adolescence or early adulthood in otherwise healthy people - although there is an increasing number of children being diagnosed
• Crohn's can strike anywhere from mouth to anus, but is usually located in the lower part of the small bowel and/or the colon

Crohn's and Colitis Canada 

We are on a relentless journey to transform the lives of people affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by delivering impact at all stages of life, in every corner of the country, by   

• finding the cures for these lifelong diseases, and
• improving the quality of life of everyone affected by these diseases.

Our 2023-2026 Impact Strategy creates a roadmap for our journey with a focus on

• accelerating the impact of research – address key gaps and success factors; shorten the timeline from discovery to patient impact
• reaching further – help more people with Crohn's and colitis and their caregivers with our wide range of programs
• boosting awareness and understanding – engage and motivate Canadians
• driving system change – advocate and partner to influence change

Follow us at crohnsandcolitis.ca, @getgutsycanada on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and at Crohn's and Colitis Canada on YouTube and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Crohn's & Colitis Canada

Paul Kilbertus, Senior Manager, Communications and PR, Crohn's and Colitis Canada, [email protected], 647-567-4690