World-first human clinical trials are underway for a type 1 diabetes drug, developed by Queensland researchers.
The treatment could reduce the need for insulin injections and even potentially stop the disease from developing altogether.
After Brisbane mum-of-two Cecelia Wickstroem Giraldi developed gestational diabetes in pregnancy her blood sugar levels never went back to normal.
Giraldi is being administered with a dose of a drug called ASITI-201 which has been 25 years in the making by University of Queensland researchers.
“Once we got to that point where we could potentially create something against the cause, we just went after it,” Thomas said.
It has already proven successful in mice.
This medication incorporates proteins and cells derived from the pancreas, along with vitamin D, to modify the immune system’s response. Its goal is to reduce or possibly eliminate the necessity for regular injections.
“We’re trying to reduce the requirement for insulin by stopping that attack on the cells,” Thomas said.
They must be over the age of 18, and have been diagnosed with type one diabetes in the last five years.
