Several immunotherapies (including rituximab, abatacept, teplizumab, alefacept, high-dose anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), and low-dose ATG±G-CSF) have demonstrated transient endogenous insulin preservation in recent-onset type 1 diabetes. Study sought to determine two year outcome of new onset type 1 patients treated with ATG±G-CSF compared to placebo. Futher anaylases were undertaken to determine most efficaceous therapy.
1. Double blind plecebo controlled study 2. C-peptide 2 hour area under curve means modeled using ANCOVA
Low -dose anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG, 2.5mg/kg) has been shown to preserve β cell function for now at least 2 years following the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) as well as improving HbA1c. Immunological studies suggest a depletion in conventional CD4 T cells whilst preserving regulatory T cells. Preliminary studies suggest that of the `successful’ studies performed to date, low-dose ATG demonstrates the greatest C-peptide preservation.
Future studies are being planned to determine whether low-dose ATG might prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.