In the following video, Fool contributor Maxx Chatsko has some great news for individuals with celiac disease, also known as gluten allergies. AbbVie (ABBV 0.77%) recently entered into an exclusive deal with Alvine Pharmaceuticals centered around a novel treatment for celiac disease. The therapy consists of two recombinant, gluten-specific enzymes that break down gluten in the body and have been shown to reduce inflammation in early and mid-stage trials.
It may be early, but if the current phase 2b trial succeeds, AbbVie investors have the right to be excited: There are currently no treatments approved for celiac disease -- a massive market. Therefore, I would rather see AbbVie acquire Alvine than just the drug in question, since the small company has several therapies in early development for celiac disease. Could this be just the opportunity the company needs to cushion the impending fall of Humira? Get more details in the video below.
