Experimental drug DiaPep277 has been shown in a Phase II human clinical trial to arrest the progression of type 1 diabetes, prevent destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells, and reduce the need for injected insulin in newly diagnosed patients. Results of the study are published in the November 24, 2001 issue of The Lancet. The study was funded by Peptor, the biopharmaceutical company that is developing DiaPep277.
Our research has shown that it is possible to modulate the immune system and prevent or stop it from attacking the insulin-producing cells, said Dana Elias, Ph.D, Vice President, Research & Development, Peptor and lead investigator on the study. DiaPep277 holds the promise of becoming a breakthrough therapy for those already diagnosed with autoimmune diabetes, and perhaps a preventive treatment for those at high risk for the disease. If we reach patients early we may be able to improve the quality of their lives by significantly reducing their dependence on insulin. We may also halt or delay the development of complications and, possibly, extend patients lives.
Type 1 diabetes (formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
This attack renders the pancreas unable to produce insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin shots several times a day in order to survive. Late stage complications frequently include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system damage, amputations, dental disease, and pregnancy complications. People with this condition have a lifespan that is, on average, 15 years shorter than the norm.
Dr. Elias and colleagues at Peptor, along with research teams at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School and the Weizmann Institute of Science, conducted a ten-month ra
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