Role of Teplizumab: First Approved Treatment for Delaying T1D Stage Progression

The following is a summary of the video transcript and has been edited for length and clarity.
Goldman: That brings us to how we can delay that progression. Let’s talk about the importance of the FDA approval of teplizumab for individuals at risk of type 1 diabetes.

Springfield: This approval is incredibly significant. We have this critical window of opportunity that we've never had before to be proactive instead of reactive. We can say, “Hey, we're going to catch it at stage II and we don't ever have to end up in the hospital with DKA.” That's huge. We've never been able to do that. We've always been managing and treating, but never preventing.

Teplizumab is indicated for people at high risk aged 8 and older and that is also incredible because, think of these pivotal developmental years for kids. Puberty, difficult teenagers, kids going to college. If we could prevent the onset during those times, it could decrease stress, improve quality of life overall for these patients. This medication is a game changer. And that's why we need to start screening and seeing who we can catch at stage II. We can buy some time.

Goldman: How does this “game changer” work? What is the mechanism of action of teplizumab?

Burton: Teplizumab is a CD3-directed monoclonal antibody (Figure 2). It binds to the autoreactive T cells that are that are destroying the pancreatic β cells. By binding to the T-cell receptor, Tzield inactivates them. So, the attack on the β cells is slowed down. The drug also increases the regulation of the protective T cells. So, the protection of the β cells is 2-fold.