A groundbreaking new drug is currently under study at Tampere University Hospital (TAYS) that could potentially revolutionize the treatment of type 1 diabetes. This medication, called frexalimab, aims to support pancreatic function and preserve remaining insulin production. While it does not cure diabetes, it holds the promise of easing management and even slowing down the progression of the disease.
Research efforts at TAYS’s children’s research center, Peetunen, are focused on investigating the efficacy of frexalimab in type 1 diabetes patients. This drug is just one of several being studied globally for its potential to impede the advancement of the condition. Type 1 diabetes, which currently requires lifelong insulin treatment from the point of diagnosis, could see a significant shift in treatment approaches if breakthroughs are achieved in drug research.
Dr. Salla Kuusela, a researcher and pediatrician specializing in pediatric diseases at TAYS, emphasizes the importance of maintaining some level of natural insulin production in the pancreas. She notes that as long as the pancreas retains some functionality, it becomes easier to manage the disease effectively. The ongoing study, which began in June and is recruiting patients aged 12-21 with recent type 1 diabetes diagnoses, aims to assess whether frexalimab can support pancreatic function and sustain residual insulin production.
Participants in the study are required to commit to a two-year research period, during which regular visits to TAYS are scheduled for both the participants and their families. The study follows a double-blind approach, with some patients receiving the investigational drug and others receiving a placebo. Both groups undergo close monitoring to track their treatment outcomes and disease management.
Type 1 diabetes is more prevalent in Finland than anywhere else in the world, a phenomenon that has been extensively studied at TAYS since 1994 through initiatives like the DIPP study. While the exact causes and prevention methods for type 1 diabetes remain unknown, factors such as genetic predisposition and viral infections have been identified as potential triggers. Recent advancements in diabetes care, such as hybrid pumps, have significantly improved treatment outcomes for children and adolescents.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kuusela anticipates further breakthroughs in diabetes treatment through ongoing drug research. The recent approval of the biological drug teplizumab in the United States, with its potential to slow down the progression of type 1 diabetes, signals a promising direction for future treatments. Efforts are underway to secure regulatory approval for teplizumab in Europe, offering hope for enhanced management of the condition on a global scale.
As the medical community continues to explore innovative solutions for type 1 diabetes, the research being conducted at TAYS underscores the importance of advancing treatment options to improve the lives of individuals living with this chronic condition. With each study and drug development, the potential to transform diabetes care and provide new avenues for managing the disease becomes increasingly within reach.
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