INTERCEPT: Pioneering the future of Crohn’s disease prevention

EFCCA is partnering in the groundbreaking INTERCEPT project! This multi-million Euro research initiative, funded by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU), marks a significant milestone in the fight against Crohn’s disease. By harnessing the power of predictive biomarkers, the project aims to shift Crohn’s from an incurable condition to one that can be effectively managed or even prevented.

About INTERCEPT

INTERCEPT is Europe’s first-ever trial using biomarkers to prevent the onset of Crohn’s disease before symptoms develop. With a budget exceeding €38 million over five years, this pioneering initiative brings together 21 collaborative partners from Europe, North America and South Korea. The goal is to validate a panel of biomarkers and develop a blood risk score to identify individuals at high risk of developing Crohn’s disease within five years.

The project will recruit 10,000 healthy first-degree relatives of individuals with Crohn’s disease across seven European countries. From this group, 80 participants at the highest risk will undergo an innovative trial using an established and highly effective medical treatment. By detecting and addressing the disease in its earliest stages, INTERCEPT has the potential to revolutionise IBD care and significantly improve patient outcomes.

EFCCA’s Role

As a partner in the INTERCEPT project, EFCCA brings the patient voice to the forefront of this ambitious endeavour. Our involvement ensures that the perspectives and needs of people living with Crohn’s disease and their families are integral to the project’s design and implementation. EFCCA’s commitment to improving the quality of life for those affected by IBD aligns seamlessly with INTERCEPT’s mission to transform the future of Crohn’s disease care.

The INTERCEPT project officially kicks off with a consortium meeting on 19 February 2025 in Berlin, Germany, coinciding with the ECCO Congress. This event will bring together leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates to lay the groundwork for this transformative initiative.

Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by Crohn’s disease.

Find out more: www.intercept-ihi.eu