The Consortium
The consortium brings together international pediatric gastroenterologists and scientists from academic centers.
The VEO-IBD Consortium
Medical & Scientific Experts
Identifying Causes
Developing Treatments
LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER!
Identify Causes
The consortium identifies causes of Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (VEO-IBD)
Develop Treatments
We develop new treatments for infants and very young children with these rare diseases.
Understanding VEO-IBD
The two most common types of IBD are Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (VEO-IBD), defined as disease in children less than 6 years of age, is often a severe and debilitating form of IBD with distinct characteristics (overlapping frequently with immune deficiencies and other rare/orphan diseases). These children often fail to respond to conventional therapies or surgery.
The incidence of VEO-IBD has dramatically increased over the last several decades worldwide.(Gastroenterology. 2014 Oct;147(4):803-813). Unfortunately, this set of pediatric rare diseases can have complicated course and in its worst form can result in death.
Although the exact causative factors for VEO-IBD are often unknown, research indicates that it is likely caused by a combination of three intertwined factors: genetic mutations, a disrupted immune system, and/or environmental factors.
Our consortium has identified molecular causes and potential curative therapies for some patients with these diseases.