Two experimental celiac disease treatments have reported promising preliminary results, while new studies highlight differences in muscle strength among adults with celiac disease and associations between pediatric follow-up visits and health outcomes. This edition also covers expanded financial support for teenagers with celiac disease in Finland and gluten-related food recalls across England, Canada, and France.
Two celiac drug trials show promising results.
FB102’s Phase 2 trial enrolled 126 participants, while ANB033’s Phase 1b efficacy analysis included 32 who completed treatment and a gluten challenge. Both sponsors reported less gluten-induced intestinal damage during gluten challenges than with placebo, although findings remain preliminary.
Sources: argenx and First Tracks Biotherapeutics, October 2026.
Study finds lower muscle strength in adults with celiac disease.
A study comparing 119 adults with celiac disease and 119 without the condition found that the celiac group had approximately 24% lower handgrip strength, 14% lower muscle mass and 10% slower walking speed. The findings highlight potential muscle health concerns, although the study does not establish causation.
Source: Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, October 2026.
Fewer celiac follow-up visits linked to worse outcomes in children.
A study involving 345 children with celiac disease found that those attending fewer than four follow-up visits over two years had over three times the adjusted odds of non-normalized tTG-IgA antibody levels and nearly twice the adjusted odds of iron deficiency compared with children attending at least four visits. The findings show an association, not causation.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics, October 2026.
Finland expands financial support for teenagers with celiac disease.
Starting January 1, 2027, eligible 16- and 17-year-olds in Finland with diagnosed celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis who follow a gluten-free diet can receive the basic child disability allowance of €112.99 per month, without a separate assessment of additional care needs.
Source: Kela, October 2026.
Gluten-related recalls.
In England, Gilbert’s Chopped Liver was recalled for containing wheat despite being labeled gluten free. In Canada, Soup Time French Onion Soup was recalled for undeclared wheat, and One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Whole Wheat Flour for a misleading gluten-free claim. In France, U-brand cans labeled as sausages with lentils were recalled for containing choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with meat), with wheat declared only as a possible trace.
Sources: UK FSA, CFIA, and RappelConso, October 2026.
The Gluten-Free Brief is a twice-monthly informational news roundup from the Gluten-Free Food Program. It is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from qualified professionals. Inclusion of any product, brand, or organization does not imply endorsement by GFFP. Previous editions can be found here and on our LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Stay informed. Stay safe.
