There is a clinical trial in Boston at Faustman labs- somehow they are using the tuberculosis vaccine (or one that is very similar).
The data showed that induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in individuals with long-term diabetes appears to: selectively eliminate the autoreactive T cells that destroy the pancreas, increase the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and transiently restore insulin production as measured by C-peptide. Fluctuations in GAD autoantibodies were also observed, suggesting BCG was having a positive effect on the pancreas, i.e., islet cell regeneration may have been starting to occur.
AHHH ! I had just posted a question regarding a vaccine for HPV. I was looking for information about it. I'm glad someone is doing some new research on this type of thing ! I have no information for you. Only that it seems promising
I've read a few posts at Insulin Pump Forums where members have recounted their experiences with Dr. Faustman's study. At this point they are trying to raise enough money to proceed to Phase 2 which essentially amounts to finding the proper dose necessary to achieve remission. I believe they are still seeking test subjects to participate. One thing I noted in the discussions is that the lab is taking blood samples but that their investigations require travel to Boston and that to participate one must be willing to make the trip.
I enrolled in Dr. Faustman's trial in 2009 or 2010 while I lived in MA. I'm most likely the member at IPF whose posts you have read. I only joined this site because Manny intends to interview Dr. Faustman and I have a couple of questions for her.
I've since moved back home to CO, and I went back to Boston last Oct. to participate in the trial. I thought I would get the BCG (or a placebo) at that point, but all they did was draw blood - yet again! I'll swear, they have taken a couple of gallons out of my arm.
I don't know what the protocol is for the trial. If it involves multiple shots spaced 4-6 weeks apart, I'm afraid I'm going to have to drop out of the trial. I simply don't have the resources to fly to Boston every month or so. If, on the other hand, it's just 1 or 2 shots with follow-up bloodwork, I'm going to try my darndest to stay in the trial. It seems to me that since the BCG is so readily available, I would be able to take it here and have results sent to them, but that's not the way clinical trials work, I guess. Maybe when they move onto Phase III.....
The first time I met Dr. Faustman, I was blown away. She spent about 45 minutes talking to me - she was training a new assistant, so that may be why she spent so much time with me. I'm still kicking myself in the butt for not taking a tape recorder!
One of the things that's interesting to me is that I don't present with any GAD antibodies. I don't know about islet cell or insulin antibodies, though. When I went back last October, I asked Dr. Faustman's able assistant Nick about that. I'm going to email him and see if they can give me any data. He told me that they are looking for specific markers on the '2A protein', and that I am deficient in that protein. I've done a little research about that, and all I can find out about it is that it is implicated in cancer.
I have another appointment in Oct. of this year (2012), so I will be writing about my experience extensively.
