Halting the autoimmune response in new-onset and at-risk patients is an important area of research for JDRF. JDRF is supporting a number of projects to stop or slow the progression of type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed people. One of these efforts includes a current phase II clinical trial known as RETAIN, or “Research Trial of ARALAST NP in New-onset Type 1 Diabetes.” The trial is being conducted by the Immune Tolerance Network, a non-profit consortium of researchers working together to establish new treatments for immune diseases and supported by JDRF and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The trial will evaluate the effect of a drug, known as 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. Furthermore, according to trial investigators possible therapeutic options from trials like RETAIN are important to halt type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients and prevent future generations from getting the disease.
Enrollment for the study, which will be conducted at 15 clinical research centers across the U.S., is ongoing. Additional information about the trial, including eligibility requirements and contact information can be found by visiting the following websites:
- RETAIN
- Immune Tolerance Network
- JDRF Clinical Trials Connection
The trial is another step forward for JDRF’s research focus on Immune Therapies aim at stopping or slowing type 1 diabetes progression in people who are newly diagnosed.
12 yo daughter diagnosed 9/2010