Clinical study is promising for Type 1 diabetes patients

DENVER, Colorado (Press Release)– A clinical study on a promising treatment for Type 1 diabetes developed by a Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researcher in collaboration with the University of Colorado Health Science Center had an “exceptional outcome” after an eight-week treatment of Alpha1-Antitrypsin (AAT).

According to the study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the goal was to evaluate safety and effect of a novel therapy using the anti-inflammatory serum protein Alpha1-Antitrypsin (AAT) in Type 1 Diabetes patients in the first of three published Phase 1 open trials.

“Following treatment of eight to 12 weeks with AAT, in several patients, it allowed proper glucose levels to be controlled without the need for any insulin injections for more than two years,” said Dr. Lewis, who is director of the BGU Clinical Islet Laboratory and a lecturer in clinical biochemistry, pharmacology and immunology for the faculty of Health Sciences at BGU. In addition, diabetes patients, even youngsters and adolescents, showed no adverse affects and a remarkable safety profile.”

“This is an excellent beginning in our mission to determine the exciting possibilities of a safe therapy for autoimmune diabetes,” Dr. Lewis explains. “We believe we will see similar results in a number of U.S. patients who recently received this treatment outside the trials within several months of diagnosis and are still completely insulin free.”

The researchers are now recruiting for three more extension trials. However, it will still be a minimum of two years for AAT to receive FDA approval as an on-label treatment for Type 1 Diabetes.

The treatment course was comprised of a weekly infusion-drip of AAT, then a yearlong follow-up with 12 patients. “Patient compliance was maximal, an impressive achievement when one considers several ongoing trials in Type 1 Diabetes that offer poorly tolerated approaches,” Dr. Lewis explains.

The Study was funded by Omni Bio Pharmaceutical Inc. Dr. Dinarello has received research support from National Institutes of Health, grant AI 15614.
*
Preceding provided by Ben Gurion University of the Negev
*
San Diego Jewish World is now seeking sponsorships to be placed, as this notice is,  just  below  articles that appear on our site.  This is an ideal opportunity for your corporate message or to personally remember a loved one’s contributions to our community.  To inquire, call editor Donald H. Harrison at (619) 265-0808 or contact him via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com