Nasal spray vaccine shows promising results

13June11 Melbourne scientists are a step closer to creating a vaccine to prevent type 1 diabetes.

About the Type 1 Diabetes Prevention Trial:
The aim of the Type 1 Diabetes Prevention Trial is to determine if type 1 diabetes can be prevented by a nasal insulin vaccine.

The first step towards developing type 1 diabetes is the triggering of an immune reaction to the beta cells of the pancreas. This is thought to be due to environmental factors in children who are genetically susceptible. Once the immune system has reacted against the beta cells, it begins to gradually destroy them, until eventually the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. Antibodies detected by a blood test can tell us about this immune reaction to the beta cells, years before the symptoms of diabetes.

One of the components of the beta cell that the immune system reacts against is insulin itself. Initial research showed that inhalation of an insulin solution can suppress the immune system from switching into attack mode against the beta cells.

The safety of inhaled insulin was tested and proven in a previous human trial, called INIT I (Intranasal Insulin Trial I). The current trial aims to prevent the development of type 1 diabetes in children and young adults who already have at least two antibodies that cause diabetes in their blood.

To find out more visit http://www.stopdiabetes.com.au

Seen on Channel 7 News / Supplied by Media Monitors

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