The present application provides a method for treating or preventing Celiac disease. In one embodiment the method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a composition comprising minicapsules, wherein the minicapsules comprise a steroid in a liquid, semi-solid or solid core, the minicapsules having release profiles to release the steroid in an active form at one or more sites along the gastrointestinal tract, the one or more sites comprising the proximal small intestine beginning at the duodenum and ending at the ileum. In a related embodiment the method comprises administering budesonide to a patient in need thereof in a pre-solubilized drug delivery format.