Emerging treatments for the prevention of type 1 diabetes.
BACKGROUND
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by a combination of various genetic and environmental factors. Insulin remains the only treatment available for type 1 diabetes. The metabolic and psychological benefits of endogenous insulin cannot be understated for these individuals.


METHODS
Intervention in type 1 diabetes could occur at various stages of the development of the disease. Recent improvements in our knowledge about the pathophysiology of beta-cell destruction have led to the development of new therapeutic agents. Some of the promising strategies include environmental factor modifications, use of insulin, mAb therapies (otelixizumab, rituximab, abatacept), immunosuppression, Diapep 277 or use of GAD65.


RESULTS
This is a review of the various strategies for prevention of type 1 diabetes that are currently being evaluated. Data on the efficacy and safety of some of these emerging drugs for the treatment of type 1 diabetes are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Some of these new drugs by themselves or by way of opening up new research frontiers may hold the key to the 'cure' of type 1 diabetes that millions of people across the globe are hoping for.
Raskin
Philip
P
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Department of Endocrinology, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd MC8858, Dallas, Texas 75219, USA.
Mohan
Alok
A
D000818:Animals; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018450:Disease Progression; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents