I have previously advocated the use of multiple drugs in order to try and cure Type 1 Diabetes. Diamyd which is trying to stop the autoimmune reaction against the insulin producing beta cells could be combined with drugs that stimulate the generation of new beta cells, or with beta cell transplants.
Today we found out that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) have started, and is recruiting 164 patients in a trial at Bethesda, Maryland (USA). The trial will only treat newly diagnosed (0-4 months from onset), but the results could benefit everyone. If the body still regenerates some beta cells (common idea today within the research community), and you stop the autoimmunity (using GAD65 - Diamyd) as well as increase the regeneration, this could help even already diagnosed Type 1 Diabetics.
This trial is combining GAD65 (Diamyd) which stops or delays the autoimmune reaction towards the beta cells, Sitagliptin a DPP-4 inhibitor used for Type 2 Diabetes and Lansoprazole a proton pump inhibitor.
Both Sitagliptin (Merck, 2006) and Lansoprazole (1995) are approved drugs by the FDA.
Press release from Diamyd
Link to trial information, and here.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Combination trial aimed at regenerating beta cells
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2 comments:
This is great news. Unfortunately I would not be able to participate in such a study. So what does that mean for a type 1 diabetic, such as myself, that has the disease for over 12 years?
Anonymous:
In the specific case of Diamyd, you can always hope that the Phase III trial leads to an approved drug on the market (earliest 2012).
If your body is regenerating beta cells, it (Diamyd) might help you keep them.
Still too early to be sure, but in my (biased) mind, Diamyd is closer to a cure/treatment than most other.
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