Major cause of inflammatory bowel disease found - so what are the symptoms and how can you treat it? READ MORE: Patients with suspected IBD could refer themselves for scans By Emily Stearn, Health Reporter For Mailonline Published: 11:59 BST, 6 June 2024 | Updated: 12:04 BST, 6 June 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Scientists say they have made a 'holy grail' breakthrough after discovering a major cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that could unlock new treatments. Until now, experts were unsure what exactly triggers the condition, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. But researchers in London have discovered a genetic weakness present in 95 per cent of people with IBD.
And in what could be good news for the half a million Brits with the condition, they found already existing medications — prescribed for other conditions — could combat this weakness. Experts said the discovery could help sufferers get targeted treatments quicker and even help other patients with other immune-based disorders affecting the spine, liver and arteries. Until now, experts were unsure what exactly triggers the condition.
But researchers in London have discovered a genetic weakness present in 95 per cent of people with IBD. And in what could be good news for the half a million Brits with the condition, they found already existing medications — prescribed for other non-inflammatory conditions — could combat this weakness Dr James Lee, an expert in genetic mechanisms of dise.
