Teplizumab

Teplizumab is a medication used to delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in individuals diagnosed with stage 2 type 1 diabetes. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets and binds to CD3 receptors on T cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune system. By binding to CD3, teplizumab modifies the activity of T cells, leading to a reduction in the autoimmune attack on the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This autoimmune process is the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes.

The approval of teplizumab by regulatory agencies was based on clinical trial data demonstrating its efficacy in preserving beta cell function. In studies, individuals treated with teplizumab showed a statistically significant delay in the progression from stage 2 to stage 3 type 1 diabetes compared to those who received a placebo. Stage 3 type 1 diabetes is characterized by symptomatic hyperglycemia, indicating significant beta cell loss. The mechanism of action is thought to involve the induction of immune tolerance and the suppression of autoimmune T cell responses that destroy beta cells.

Teplizumab is administered intravenously. The drug is typically given as a course of infusions over a period of several days. Common side effects observed during clinical trials include rash, headache, and nausea. More serious side effects can occur, including infusion-related reactions and an increased risk of infections due to the immunosuppressive effects of the drug. Patients receiving teplizumab require careful monitoring by healthcare professionals. The long-term effects and optimal use of teplizumab are subjects of ongoing research.