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Study hopes to show Alpha-1 protein can slow loss of insulin cells in newly-diagnosed diabetes patients
Halting the autoimmune response in new-onset and at-risk patients is an important area of research for Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes.
A phase II clinical trial known as RETAIN, or “Research Trial of ARALAST NP in New-onset Type 1 Diabetes,” is being conducted by the Immune Tolerance Network, a non-profit consortium of researchers working together to establish new treatments for immune diseases.
The trial will evaluate the effect of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT, Aralast NP), on preserving the function of insulin-producing beta cells in newly diagnosed patients. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is an anti-inflammatory drug that affects the cells that are thought to be involved in the development of type 1 diabetes. Previous studies have shown that AAT can reverse type 1 diabetes in new-onset diabetic mice.
If the drug is found to be effective in patients with diabetes, people with type 1 diabetes may require less insulin injections and be able to achieve better glucose control. Better glucose control has been shown to reduce the long-term complications of diabetes.
Enrollment for the study, which will be conducted at 15 clinical research centers across the U.S., is ongoing.
