Research, recently published in the November 24th issue of the Lancet journal, has shown that a unique approach developed by a team of Israeli scientists, led by the Weizmann Institute?s Professor Irun Cohen, can halt the progression of juvenile, or insulin-dependent, diabetes.
The approach involves treating the newly-diagnosed diabetes patient with a small peptide fragment known as p277, which shuts down the misdirected immune response that causes the destruction of pancreatic cells in diabetes patients. ?The peptide essentially acts to 'reeducate' the immune cells, switching off their destructive activity,? Cohen explains.
The peptide fragment has been commercialized by the Peptor biopharmaceutical company from Rehovot into an experimental drug, DiaPep277. According to a Weizmann Institute press release, the research using DiaPep277 proved that patients receiving the drug ?showed a halt or delay in the attack upon, or destruction of their pancreatic insulin-producing cells by the immune system. These results were evident in the level of the body's own insulin production and in a decreased need for insulin injections.? The researchers reported no significant side effects stemming from the use of DiaPep277.
The approach involves treating the newly-diagnosed diabetes patient with a small peptide fragment known as p277, which shuts down the misdirected immune response that causes the destruction of pancreatic cells in diabetes patients. ?The peptide essentially acts to 'reeducate' the immune cells, switching off their destructive activity,? Cohen explains.
The peptide fragment has been commercialized by the Peptor biopharmaceutical company from Rehovot into an experimental drug, DiaPep277. According to a Weizmann Institute press release, the research using DiaPep277 proved that patients receiving the drug ?showed a halt or delay in the attack upon, or destruction of their pancreatic insulin-producing cells by the immune system. These results were evident in the level of the body's own insulin production and in a decreased need for insulin injections.? The researchers reported no significant side effects stemming from the use of DiaPep277.