We are delighted to announce that the first Crohn’s patient has now received the Crohn’s MAP Vaccine. It’s an emotional day! This is Sean Young’s story…
“So, a crazy thing happened this week. First, though, a bit of background…
I started my Crohn’s journey many years ago. I didn’t know I had started it at the time because for many years I had the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The Crohn’s diagnosis came last year after a hospital stay and the development of some complications (which I won’t go into here). The plan at the time was an immune-suppressing drug called Infliximab.
I started taking the Infliximab and also started reading about the disease I now knew I had. I also learned about a handful of researchers who had been looking at a possible cause – a bacteria called MAP. I learned about an upcoming study to test the safety of a new vaccine. Unfortunately, though, taking Infliximab, I was not eligible.
Well, two doses of Infliximab later and I had a skin reaction that meant I had to stop taking it. Then, because of a delay in starting a new immune-suppressing drug, I suddenly became eligible!
It’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but on Monday I had an opportunity to contribute in some way to trying to find a solution for this awful disease. It’s not to the extent of the researchers, of course (considering all the work they’ve put in), but I have been happy to help in some way. I received a dose of a new vaccine in a safety trial taking place at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London! They want to see if targeting the MAP bacteria will help at all. I have no idea if it will, especially for me personally, but I am hugely grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this.”