At Gut-Research, we are excited to be part of the innovative INTERCEPT project, funded by the EU Horizon Europe programme. This ambitious initiative aims to change how we diagnose and manage Crohn’s Disease by developing a biomarker panel to identify individuals at high risk, allowing for early intervention and prevention of disease progression. With 52 partners and a budget of 37 million euros, INTERCEPT is set to revolutionize Crohn’s Disease management over the next six years.
The Need for Early Detection in Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease presents significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment. Despite advances in early detection, many patients still suffer from substantial bowel damage by the time they are diagnosed. Within 10 years of receiving a diagnosis, around 50% of patients will require surgery, while only 10% experience prolonged remission. The chronic nature of Crohn’s Disease, combined with its increasing prevalence, underscores the urgent need for early diagnosis and intervention.
This is where the INTERCEPT project comes in. The project aims to verify and validate a biomarker panel that can identify individuals at high risk of developing Crohn’s before the disease fully manifests. Early intervention could potentially stop the disease from progressing and reduce the need for invasive treatments like surgery. By focusing on disease interception, we hope to significantly improve the long-term health outcomes for those at risk of Crohn’s Disease.
How Biomarkers Could Transform Crohn’s Management
Biomarkers are measurable indicators that can reflect the presence or severity of a disease. In the context of Crohn’s Disease, biomarkers could help predict who is at risk of developing the disease long before clinical symptoms appear. However, despite promising research, none of the pre-clinical biomarkers identified so far have been fully validated.
The INTERCEPT project is dedicated to solving this problem by conducting extensive research to validate these biomarkers. By doing so, we aim to make pre-clinical testing for Crohn’s a reality, offering patients and their families a way to understand their risk and take proactive measures to manage their health. Early detection would not only benefit patients but also enable healthcare providers to implement more effective and personalized treatment plans.
A Collaborative Effort with Global Impact
The scope of the INTERCEPT project is truly global, involving 52 partners across various fields, including clinical research, biotechnology, and patient advocacy. Gut-Research is proud to be part of this collective effort, contributing our expertise in gastrointestinal diseases and personalized medicine.
This six-year project will push the boundaries of Crohn’s Disease research, potentially setting a new standard for early diagnosis and intervention. By the end of the project, we aim to see biomarkers become a mainstream tool in the clinical care of Crohn’s Disease, offering hope for a future where the disease can be intercepted before it severely impacts patients’ lives.
