In addition to designing and conducting our own research, we believe it is important to participate in international clinical trials. This allows us to remain closely connected to the latest developments worldwide and maintain a broad perspective on advances in type 1 diabetes research.

A key question at the heart of the βETA PRESERVE clinical trial is: Can teplizumab help preserve islet cell function? In other words, can this treatment protect the remaining insulin-producing beta cells within the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas for as long as possible after a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes has been made?

The trial builds on previous research involving teplizumab, an immunotherapy that targets a specific type of white blood cell known as T cells. The aim is to slow down the immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Earlier large-scale clinical trials in people at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes demonstrated that teplizumab can delay the loss of beta-cell function and even postpone the onset of clinical disease. The treatment has already been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in this population.

The βETA PRESERVE clinical trial is now investigating whether protecting these remaining beta cells can also lead to a more favourable disease course in people who have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In doing so, the trial reflects an important shift in type 1 diabetes research: not only focusing on a future cure, but also on preserving what remains today. How can we slow the ongoing loss of insulin-producing beta cells and help maintain the body’s own insulin production for longer?