An experimental treatment that targets immune system cells may slow the progression of type 1 diabetes.

Researchers found six consecutive days of treatment with an antibody called ChAglyCD3 ( which is an aglycosylated human IgG1 antibody directed against CD3) preserved insulin-making cells. The study participants reduced their need for insulin injections up to 1.5 years later.

In type 1 diabetes, insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas (beta cells) are progressively destroyed by the immune system. A loss of insulin-secreting beta cells causes people to rely more heavily on insulin injections to keep their blood-sugar levels under control.

Researchers show that treatment with the ChAglyCD3 antibody — which targets immune system cells — may slow the progression of the disease. Treatment given shortly after diagnosing type 1 diabetes prevented further loss of insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas.

However, these results are only preliminary and the benefits of the experimental treatment were not without risk. The side effects of the treatment included a flu-like illness and mononucleosis symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes.

Further study will be needed before the treatment can be considered for approval by the FDA for widespread use.

Reference - WebMD, The New England Journal Of Medicine
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