i get an email from this site that is dedicated to all the research that is done to try and cure diabetes. whenever they are close to something it is posted for all to read. this is the latest email i got and it kinda raises my hopes. thought others should see…
Abatacept is a treatment that prevents T-cells from becoming activated. Presumably, for type-1 diabetes, it works by blocking the “bad” killer T-cells from activating. This drug is already approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments have failed, and is marketed as Orencia. It was just recently approved for home use via under skin injections (similar to insulin). Previously it required an infusion, and this study used the infused form. It regulates (or modulates) T-cells, rather than depleting them, so the hope is that it will have less side effects than other immunosuppressives.
This study attempts to preserve beta cells during the honeymoon phase by giving newly diagnosed patients Abatacept. This was a placebo controlled, double blind trial with 112 patients. About 2/3s (77 people) got the treatment and 1/3 (35 people) did not. Three infusions the first month, and monthly thereafter for two years. C-peptide production in response to a meal was the measured after two years. The results where clearly better in the treated group. Basically they produced 60% more of their own insulin at each point in the trial. (Remember: C-peptide is a marker for insulin production.) Also, the treated group had better A1c numbers. The researchers estimate that this is similar to a 6-9 month delay in beta cell loss of type-1 diabetics at diagnosis.
Since Abatacept blocks some T-cell activation, infection was a worry, but the infection rates were the same in treated and placebo groups, as were injection site issues. There were more mild side effects (things like headaches and nausea) in the treated group.
The researchers are going to continue to follow the patients to see what happens in the months after they stop getting regular doses of the drug. They will see if the dosed patients stay ahead of the placebo group or not.