Teplizumab (Teizeild) and VX-880: New Hope for Type 1 Diabetes
This article discusses recent advancements in the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes, focusing on two promising therapies: Teplizumab (Teizeild) and VX-880.
Teplizumab (Teizeild): Delaying the Inevitable
Teplizumab is a new immunotherapy approved by the EMA for adults and children (8+) in Stage 2 of Type 1 Diabetes. This stage is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies attacking the pancreas, and beginning blood sugar fluctuations, before the onset of noticeable symptoms.
* How it effectively works: Teplizumab targets and modulates T lymphocytes, the immune cells responsible for destroying insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. this aims to slow down the disease progression and preserve natural insulin secretion.
* clinical Trial Results: A clinical trial (TN-10) showed teplizumab doubled the median time before progressing from Stage 2 to Stage 3 (requiring insulin therapy) – from 25 to 50 months.
* Who it’s for: Individuals already diagnosed with Stage 2 diabetes, who have a high risk of rapid disease progression. Approximately 75% of Stage 2 patients develop clinical diabetes within five years.
* Governance & Risks: Teplizumab is administered via a 14-day daily intravenous infusion, with doses gradually increased.potential side effects include temporary drops in white blood cell counts, skin rashes, reduced blood bicarbonate, and, in rare cases (2%), cytokine release syndrome requiring close hospital monitoring.
* critically importent Note: Teplizumab delays the need for insulin, but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.
VX-880: Recreating Insulin Production
VX-880 represents a more aspiring approach: restoring insulin production through pancreatic islet cell transplantation.
* How it works: VX-880 involves infusing pancreatic islet cells derived from stem cells into the liver.
* Early Results: Early reports, like that of Amanda Smith, suggest VX-880 can allow patients to discontinue insulin use.
* Limitations & Risks: VX-880 is currently limited to severely ill patients and requires lifelong immunosuppression to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells. This immunosuppression carries risks of infection and cancer.
Looking Ahead
While VX-880 is still experimental, and Teplizumab offers a delay rather than a cure, both therapies represent a important turning point in Type 1 Diabetes treatment. Researchers are cautiously optimistic,emphasizing that while a “cure” isn’t yet within reach,these advancements are paving the way for a future where lasting restoration of insulin production may be possible for the approximately 9.5 million people worldwide living with type 1 Diabetes.
