How many times have you looked at your diagnosis and wondered about the “why” of it all? Usually, when we talk about genetics and inflammatory bowel disease, we are looking at what went wrong. We talk about the genes that make us susceptible, or the ones that trigger our immune system to go into overdrive.

Earlier this month, researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Broad Institute shared something that flips that conversation on its head. Instead of looking at why we get sick, they looked at why some people don’t.

The jargon buster: What is CARD9?

Let’s break down the science into plain English. Inside our bodies, we have a gene called CARD9. For many of us, this gene plays a role in how our immune system responds to fungi and bacteria in the gut. In some cases, it can contribute to the inflammation we know all too well.

However, researchers found a very rare “protective” variant of this gene. People with this specific version of CARD9 are significantly less likely to develop Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

The breakthrough isn’t just finding the gene; it’s what they did next. They have developed a “small molecule” (essentially a potential new drug) that works in the exact same way this protective gene does. It copies the natural defence system some people already have. Instead of just trying to turn off your immune system, this approach aims to replicate the conditions of a healthy gut.

Why this matters to us

For decades, the gold standard of care has been immune suppression. We take biologics or immunosuppressants to “dampen” the fire. While these are life-saving, they often come with a heavy trade-off of side effects and the constant fear of infection.

Moving toward copying how the body protects itself is a massive shift in how we think about treatment. It suggests a future where we aren’t just surviving by turning things off, but thriving by following the body’s own blueprint for health.

A seat at the table

From an advocacy perspective, this research is a reminder of why our lived experience matters to the pharmaceutical industry. Scientists are finally looking at the “whole” person and the mechanics of health, not just the mechanics of the flare.

It gives me so much hope to see the conversation moving toward long-term quality of life. This isn’t just about a new pill – it’s about a new philosophy in IBD care.

I’d love to know your thoughts. When you hear about genetic research, does it feel like science fiction, or does it give you a sense of hope for the next generation?

Source Material: Rush, J.S., et al. (2026). Human genetics guides the discovery of CARD9 inhibitors with anti-inflammatory activity. Cell. Read the full study via the Broad Institute.