The FDA has just approved Provention Bio’s Tzield™ (teplizumab-mzwv) – the first drug therapy that can delay the onset of type-1 diabetes (T1D) for those at risk of developing the disease.  This is a huge milestone for T1D research and those in the T1D community. (Read the full FDA announcement HERE.)

The average delay in the onset of T1D observed in the clinical study of Tzield was approximately 3 years, with some study participants not yet acquiring type 1 diabetes at all.  “Today’s FDA decision gives people at risk of developing type 1 diabetes the gift of time,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., JDRF CEO. “For the first time ever, we have a way to change the course and slow the development of T1D.”  (Read JDRF’s full statement on the impact of this news to the T1D community HERE.)

Tzield is the result of decades of T1D research, which began with an early scientific study.  That study led to a JDRF grant to support a trial in patients.  The success of that trial study led to further studies and support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), eventually leading to this exciting breakthrough that will impact the future of T1D treatment.

Scientific breakthroughs such as this one, often emerge due to the inventiveness of early-career scientists.  It is DRC’s mission to connect donors with early-career scientists, enabling them to perform peer-reviewed, novel research designed to prevent and cure type 1 diabetes, minimize its complications, and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.

Thus far, 10+ of our funded studies by early-career scientists have secured follow-on funding to continue their studies which could lead to breakthroughs like the milestone announced today.

You could help fund the next T1D breakthrough!  DONATE HERE