First Drug to Delay Type 1 Diabetes

The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved Tzield – the first drug to delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin. It was formerly known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. While it generally appears in children, teens, and young adults, it is known to occur at any age. It is rarer than the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Preventive measures for this chronic condition are unknown. Symptoms include maintaining blood sugar level through regular monitoring, insulin therapy, diet and exercise.

What is Tzield?

Tzield is a monoclonal antibody injection that is capable of preventing the body’s immune system from mistakenly attacking cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It was developed by drugmakers Sanofi and Provention Bio. The common side effects of this drug are decreased levels of certain white blood cells, rashes and headache. It can be administered to people aging 8 and older, who have early symptoms of type 1 diabetes. It is capable of delaying the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and in pediatric patients aging 8 years and above who have stage 2 type 1 diabetes.

The approval for the medication was given based on the results of phase 2 of the clinical trial, involving 76 participants, who randomly received the drug or a placebo once daily intravenously for 14 days.

Why is the approval significant?

People with type 1 diabetes usually require multiple injections of insulin every day for the rest of their lives. This causes a huge financial burden. In the absence of these treatments, patients will develop serious health complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis or death.

Tzield’s ability to delay the clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes will reduce the financial burden of the ailment for months to years. It will also improve the quality of life for those who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Month: Current Affairs – November, 2022

Category: International / World Current Affairs • Science & Technology Current Affairs