Research

Since its inception in 1967, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has been at the forefront of medical research in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis—collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

There are two main research categories. Basic research explores the scientific foundations of the diseases. It answers such questions as: What is the underlying cause of Crohn's and colitis? Which genes are involved in these diseases? Although basic research is complex and can be difficult for laypersons to understand, these studies will ultimately lead to the cure for IBD. Clinical research determines which medical and surgical options work best for patients.

Why CCFA is the Leader in IBD Research

• Since its inception, CCFA has invested approximately $127 million in research worldwide and funded more than 1000 grants. We invest our dollars wisely, funding the best IBD research anywhere in the world and implementing a peer-review process that insures that only the most promising and relevant grant applications are funded. 
  
• CCFA has played a role in every major scientific breakthrough in IBD, from generating data that led to new therapies to the discovery of the first gene for Crohn's. 
  
• We invest in human resources:  It takes 10 years to "build" a full-fledged, senior investigator! To make sure that the most talented researchers enter and remain in the  field of IBD, CCFA provides research training awards to develop the next generation of investigators. Many of today's most prominent researchers received training awards from CCFA early in their careers. 
  
• We set the research agenda:  CCFA brings together the finest minds in the international scientific community (both basic and clinical) to develop and update our strategic plan for research "Challenges in IBD Research". 
  
• CCFA research generates important data. In a 2005 survey of 200 researchers, 107 reported publishing more than 500 articles based on CCFA-funded research. 

Why Do We Need More Research?

Although we have made very significant advances… 

• We still don't know the causes of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• No existing medication induces remission in all patients. 
• We can't prevent relapses of disease. 
• We don't know how to prevent complications of IBD (abscesses, fistulae, obstruction and cancer)
• We don't know how to predict who will develop IBD or how to prevent high-risk individuals from developing symptoms and progressive disease.