For the first time in Italy, at the ‘Paolo Giaccone’ Polyclinic in Palermo, a 23 -year -old young patient received the infusion of the anti -Cupo Teplizumab, who has proven effective in significantly delaying the conclated debut of type 1 diabetes, so -called youth. Could it really be the turning point for this pathology?
Type 1 mellitus diabetesso -called youth, we could be close to the turning point: a 23 -year -old young patient received the infusion ofantibody Teplizumabwhich has proven effective in significantly delaying the conclass debut of the pathology. It happened, successfully, at the Policlinico ‘Paolo Giaccone’ of Palermo.
Type 1 diabetes
As reported by our Higher Institute of Healthtype 1 diabetes (DT1) is:
a chronic condition which occurs with an increase in blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) compared to normal values due to the lack of insulin by the pancreas
The pathology is also known as’youth diabetes‘To distinguish it from type 2 (also called’ of the adult ‘), as it usually arises at a young age.
The blood glucose levels (blood sugar) after 8 hours of fasting are normally lower than 100 mg/dl – explains the ISS – diagnosis of diabetes is made If fasting blood sugar is greater than 126 mg/dl for at least twice or If the blood sugar is greater than 200 mg/dl after oral load of 75 grams of glucose
DT1 represents about 10% of cases of diabetesand its symptoms (need to drink frequently and/or to urinate more frequently than usual, in particular at night, feeling of tiredness, weight loss and muscle mass) usually develop very quickly in young peopleeven in a few days or weeks (while in adults, however rarer condition, it manifests itself more slowly, within a couple of months).
The pathology is also called ‘diabetes or’insulin-dependent‘, as the only treatment at the time possible is the one with insulin.
The new treatment
The Teplizumab is a “Anti-Cd3” monoclonal antibodyused to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, a pathology that leads to Destruction of pancreatic β cells mediated by T cells which in turn causes loss of insulin production, and therefore to the control of blood sugar in the blood.
The molecule attacks the T cells, “binding” to the CD3 component, hence the name of anti-Cd3 therapy, thus slowing down the conclass onset of the serious illness. In November 2022, Teplizumab was approved by the FDA as the first drug capable of delaying the onset of type 1.12 diabetes
The new therapy was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which regulates the marketing of drugs in the United States, for the treatment of patients with at least two self -anti for diabetes and one condition of disglicemiaor with an altered glucidic metabolism, often defined condition pre-diabeteswith the goal to delay the debut of the full -bodied disease.
As reported by the Italian Society of Diabetologythe drug has been available in Italy since October 2024 for compassionate usethat is, in cases where for certain patients we recommend using it before the bureaucratic process of approval by the regulatory bodies (EMA at European level and AIFA at national level) is concluded.
The turning point in Palermo
The new therapy was successfully used on a 23 -year -old young patient As per approved protocol, or with intravenous administration every day (minimum time 30 minutes) for 14 consecutive days of a dose proportional to the body surface.
This success, for which I thank our medical team and the nursing team – says Giorgio Arnaldi, who directs the ‘Paolo Giaccone’ polyclinic of Palermo – is the result of a constant commitment in research and assistance to patients, and I am proud to guide a group of such extraordinary professionals. I also thank the management of the Polyclinic which with its constant support has made it possible to create this important intervention
And success is no “lucky” case.
The Teplizumab – in fact Valentina Guarnotta explains, who promoted and followed the procedure necessary to obtain authorization for the compassionate use of the drug at the University Hospital – It represents a valid and concrete therapy in all those patients with predisposition to the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitusthanks to its ability to significantly delay its debut, marking a scientific turning point in the approach to the disease. The execution of screening campaigns will be essential for the early identification of subjects who could benefit from this drug
