Research continues into additional medical treatments for CD. These include:

• Interleukin 10 (IL-10). A chemical that suppresses inflammation. The effectiveness of laboratory produced IL-10 in treating CD is being studied.
  
  
• Antibiotics. Currently used to treat infections that may occur in patients with CD. Some research suggests that antibiotics may be useful to treat CD itself.
  
  
• Methotrexate and cyclosporine. Two types of immunosuppressants that appear to work faster than traditional immunosuppressants.
  
  
• Natalizumab. An experimental drug being tested for treatment of CD. It works by keeping white blood cells in the bloodstream, preventing them from reaching and further irritating inflamed areas. However, research has been halted due to potentially serious side effects.
  
  
• Zinc. A mineral that removes free radicals (molecules produced during processes such as fat metabolism, stress, infection) from the blood. Free radicals are believed to contribute to inflammation. Research is under way to determine whether supplements of zinc may reduce inflammation.