N. Engl. J. Med. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1902226 (2019)

The onset of type I diabetes can be delayed in individuals who are genetically at risk by using an anti-immune therapy.

Type I diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells that results in hyperglycemia and the dependence of affected individuals on insulin therapy. Immune interventions aim to prevent the loss of beta cells and progression to full type I diabetes. One such therapy is teplizumab, a monoclonal antibody against CD3.

In a clinical trial of 76 participants who are genetically at risk of developing type I diabetes, those given teplizumab developed type I diabetes on average over 2 years later than those given a placebo. This delay will increase the quality of life of patients with diabetes.