Dr Bob Anderson on Coeliac Disease Research, Immune Response & Future Treatments

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 176

On today’s episode I chat with Associate Professor Dr Bob Anderson — a world-renowned gastroenterologist, immunologist and trailblazer in coeliac disease research. From his foundational work at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) to creating Nexvax2, leading Novoviah Pharmaceuticals, and becoming President of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ISSCD), Bob has shaped the coeliac research landscape as we know it.

We discuss how his career began, what he’s most excited about in current research, and what’s ahead for coeliac disease globally — including a look at ICDS 2026 in Melbourne.

What We Cover

🧠 How Bob first got involved in coeliac disease research
 🔬 His early work at WEHI and key discoveries
 💉 The Nexvax2 vaccine – what it was designed to do and why it was discontinued
 🧪 New diagnostic tools like Interleukin 2 and their future use in screening and management
 🌍 Thoughts on Italy’s population screening trial and the potential for something similar in Australia
 📈 How coeliac research and diagnosis has changed over the decades
 🌾 Whether gluten is the issue — or environmental/lifestyle factors are at play
 🌐 Why global collaboration is essential in advancing coeliac research and care
 🌟 His new role as President of ISSCD and its mission
 🇦🇺 What to expect from the 2026 International Coeliac Disease Symposium in Melbourne
 🔭 His hopes for the future of coeliac disease research

Guest Bio: Dr Bob Anderson

Associate Professor Dr Bob Anderson is an Australian-based gastroenterologist, translational immunologist, and coeliac disease expert. He has led major research projects and pharmaceutical programs focused on immune responses to gluten and has worked closely with both the scientific community and patient groups. Bob developed Nexvax2, the first peptide-based immunotherapy for coeliac disease, and currently leads the development of T-cell diagnostics at Novoviah Pharmaceuticals. He also practises at Mackay Base Hospital and was recently named President of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ISSCD).

Links & Resources

🔗 Novoviah
🔬 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)
🌐 International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ISSCD)
📍 ICDS 2026 – Melbourne (More info coming soon)

Get Involved

📩  If you want to hear about Novoviah’s upcoming coeliac disease trials, register your interest at https://novoviahtools.com. These trials are contributing to the development of new diagnostics and therapies, and not all studies will involve a gluten challenge.

Connect with Us

💬 DM me on Instagram: @aglutenfreefamily
📰 Subscribe to A Gluten Free Newsletter
🎙️ Catch up on past episodes of A Gluten Free Podcast

A Big Thank You to Dr Bob Anderson

Bob’s dedication to coeliac disease research has been nothing short of incredible. His work has laid the foundation for everything we now understand about this condition, and it was an honour to have him on the podcast.

Disclaimer

The content on this podcast is not a substitution for professional medical advice. It is the opinion and experience of the show host or guests. Please seek professional medical advice from a medically qualified professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.