Teplizumab for treating type 1 diabetes in adults and children aged 8 years and older

Teplizumab is in clinical development for the treatment of recent-onset stage 3 type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 8 years and older. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy. As beta cells are gradually destroyed, not enough insulin can be made and symptoms are seen (stage 3 T1D), which can be life-threatening without effective treatment. Current therapies for stage 3 T1D focus on managing blood-sugar with injected insulin, and careful planning of exercise and diet. This is burdensome and difficult to achieve well, particularly in children. However, when even some beta cells remain and can
produce natural insulin, good blood-sugar management is easier.