Proof that a revolutionary new drug stops type 1 diabetes?

[Amity Island]

Mahn has become the first British child to be part of a trial for a revolutionary new drug, teplizumab, which blocks the immune system malfunction that destroys insulin-producing cells and causes type 1 diabetes. The idea is that such drugs will halt the autoimmune disease in its tracks, preventing life-changing symptoms — and the burden on healthcare systems.

Are we proof that a drug to stop diseases like diabetes DOES work?

Mahn Singh is the first British child to be part of a trial for a new drug, teplizumab, which blocks the immune system malfunction that destroys insulin-producing cells and causes type 1 diabetes.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Inka]

Interesting article but it makes me think of lots of questions - the first being if someone has already been diagnosed with Type 1, wouldn’t the drug be too late? By the time Type 1 is diagnosed, around 80% of the insulin-producing cells have been destroyed. I suppose the dying beta cells could be helped, but would that mean the person could control their own blood sugar without any insulin? So, I’m thinking that if it worked, it would work best in those who haven’t yet got overt signs of Type 1?

And the screening - what about people who develop Type 1 as adults eg in their 40s or 50s? Have they had the antibodies since childhood, but Type 1 was only triggered in later life (which would be interesting) or have the antibodies suddenly appeared just prior to the diagnosis? That question isn’t related to this treatment so much as just a general query.

And would one childhood screen be enough? Would children need another at, say, 11yrs?

Finally, as someone mentioned in the comments on that article, some people think that the beta cells can regrow a bit but are killed off by the immune system. If that’s so, then would this drug help people who’d been diagnosed for some time? And would it help people not reject neutral stem cell generated beta cells, negating the need for the membrane/device/coating researchers are currently looking for to stop the auto-immune attack?

 

[Amity Island]

Interesting article but it makes me think of lots of questions - the first being if someone has already been diagnosed with Type 1, wouldn’t the drug be too late? By the time Type 1 is diagnosed, around 80% of the insulin-producing cells have been destroyed. I suppose the dying beta cells could be helped, but would that mean the person could control their own blood sugar without any insulin? So, I’m thinking that if it worked, it would work best in those who haven’t yet got overt signs of Type 1?

And the screening - what about people who develop Type 1 as adults eg in their 40s or 50s? Have they had the antibodies since childhood, but Type 1 was only triggered in later life (which would be interesting) or have the antibodies suddenly appeared just prior to the diagnosis? That question isn’t related to this treatment so much as just a general query.

And would one childhood screen be enough? Would children need another at, say, 11yrs?

Finally, as someone mentioned in the comments on that article, some people think that the beta cells can regrow a bit but are killed off by the immune system. If that’s so, then would this drug help people who’d been diagnosed for some time? And would it help people not reject neutral stem cell generated beta cells, negating the need for the membrane/device/coating researchers are currently looking for to stop the auto-immune attack?

Going by the posts on the forum, biggest trouble would be getting the right diagnosis e.g type 1. If you get a late diagnosis, the drug wouldn't be much good

 

[mikeyB]

My worry would be that this drug might interfere with the rest of my immune system. Mind you, that might have helped my three (or four) autoimmune conditions that I have acquired!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

My worry would be that this drug might interfere with the rest of my immune system. Mind you, that might have helped my three (or four) autoimmune conditions that I have acquired!

Yes I remember it being suggested to me by a DSN to be careful about things like Ecinacea (which is supposed to boost the immune system). I think if your immune system is uppity enough to have taken out a major organ it doesn't really need any encouragement!