In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Provention Bio’s immune therapy indicated to delay the onset of presently incurable type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Teplizumab, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, is the first approved therapy shown to delay the progression to stage 3 T1D for some people at high risk of developing the condition. The therapy is approved to treat adults and children 8 years and older who live with stage 2 T1D.
Stages of Type One Diabetes (T1D)
● Stage 1: Testing positive for two or more diabetes related autoantibodies
● Stage 2: Blood sugar levels become abnormal
● Stage 3: Symptoms are present due to beta cell loss.
Teplizumab is administered by intravenous infusion once daily for 14 consecutive days.
“The drug’s potential to delay clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes may provide patients with months to years without the burdens of disease,” said Dr. John Sharretts, director of the Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
The significance of the therapy is that it is the first intervention that can delay the onset of T1D, thus putting off expensive and life changing treatments.
TAGS: United States, North America, Type 1, Research and Development, Treatment Affordability
Importance of Fighting NCDs
Ghanaian MP Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi has been raising the need for improved access to medical supplies, to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
CAPTION: “Essential medication can save lives, reduce suffering and improve health,” says Dr Kissi MP.
He said essential medication against NCDs, such as heart attack, stroke, cancers, asthma and diabetes, could save lives, reduce suffering and improve health care delivery in the country.
In an interview with the Ghanaian Times Dr Kissi MP reported back on this year’s World Health Summit held in Berlin. He said: “Cost-effective, evidence-based interventions, to prevent and control NCDs have been established, however, the best delivery of the interventions across existing health systems and the diverse populations was the challenge.
“It is time to push hard and act now so we can translate our global commitment into actions. An important aspect of NCDs care is access to essential medicines and supplies.”
Advocacy Action: What assessments have been made regarding access to essential medicines and supplies? Can you propose an action plan?