Interferon Alpha Can Delay Full Onset of Type 1 Diabetes by Russell Phillips, PhD

According to results of a phase II clinical trial at the University of Texas Medical School, a low dose of oral interferon alpha can preserve pancreatic beta cell function in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients. Interferons are proteins produced by the cells of the immune system in response to challenges like a virus or a tumor cell. They work by inhibiting viral replication in the host cell, activating natural killer cells, and increasing the activity of other immune system cells such as lymphocytes.

Staley Brod, MD, the trial's principal investigator, noted in a university press release that interferon alpha "can extend the `honeymoon phase' of the disease, allowing the body to still produce insulin from beta cells, which correlates with decreased complication rates." The honeymoon phase is that initial period after diagnosis when beta cells may partially recover and control of blood sugar improves for a time...read more