This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of larazotide acetate versus placebo in inducing remission in subjects with active celiac disease.

This was an outpatient, randomized, parallel- group, double-blind, multicenter, 8-week study with three treatment arms: larazotide acetate 4 mg TID, larazotide acetate 8 mg TID and placebo TID in subjects with celiac disease. The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of larazotide acetate versus placebo in inducing remission in subjects with active celiac disease, as defined by an improvement in the Villous Height to Crypt Depth (Vh:Cd) ratio, obtained by duodeno-jejunal biopsy. Secondary objectives included assessment of the safety and tolerability of larazotide acetate, to prospectively validate the components of a composite weighted index of celiac disease activity (celiac disease Activity Rating Score, CeDARS), individually and as a whole, to To compare the CeDARS against the Clinician Global Assessment of disease (CGA), Psychological Well Being Index and the Short Form 12 version 2 (SF-12 v2) health survey and to assess the effects of larazotide acetate on inflammatory markers in subjects with active celiac disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female adults with celiac disease (as demonstrated by duodenal/jejunal biopsy or by capsule endoscopy plus positive anti-tTG)
• Marsh score ≥ II at screening
• Positive serum anti-tTG antibodies as determined by screening serology
• Willing to comply with a gluten-free diet for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Has refractory Celiac Disease or severe complications of celiac disease (eg, EATL-, ulcerative jejunitis, perforation, etc.)
• Has chronic active GI disease other than Celiac Disease
• Has diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) or other autoimmune disease that might interfere with the conduct of the study
• Has hemoglobin value below 8.5 g/dL

double-blind