New Scientist

Drug that delays onset of type 1 diabetes gets approval in US

USA Today

FDA approves first treatment that delays type 1 diabetes. Why it could be 'game changing.'

FDA approves 1st drug to delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes

Daily Mail

Type 1 diabetes: 'Seismic shift' in the race to beat disease as US approves world-first drug

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World-first diabetes drug represents ‘a seismic shift’ in treatment

Researchers in the US, Australia, and China have developed smart insulins that mimic and respond to the body's natural response to changing blood sugar levels.

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This novel insulin, activated only when needed, could reduce the frequency of Type 1 diabetes treatments to just once a week rather than up to 10 times a day.

The researchers at Stanford University in the US, Monash University in Australia, and Zhejiang University in China have been awarded over £2.7M to develop the next-generation insulins.

Diabetes UK

The funding is focused on six new international research projects to develop glucose-responsive insulin, including one intended to create an ultra-fast, short-acting variant.

Guardian

Dr. Tim Heise, the vice-chair of the funding panel for the researchers, said the novel insulins could help diabetic patients balance their glycaemic control while avoiding hypoglycemia.

Express.co.uk

In 2021, at least 537M people worldwide had diabetes. That number is projected to grow and reach 783M by 2045.

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US, Australian, and Chinese researchers have reportedly developed insulins that respond to blood sugar changes like the way the body would do naturally.

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Getting activated when needed, this smart insulin may ensure that those with type-1 diabetes need treatment once a week — and not up to 10 times as they do now.

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This new form of insulin has been developed together at Stanford University in the US, Monash University in Australia, and Zhejiang University in China.

Express.co.uk #

During tests on diabetic mice, the new insulin formed a slow-release depot under the skin, responding to glucose changes while minimizing hypoglycemia risk.

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The new complex binds insulin in a polymer cage, allowing release only when glucose displaces insulin and providing basal and meal-time coverage.

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Dr Tim Heise, vice-chair of the funding panel for the researchers, has called it the "holy grail" of insulin which was "as close to a cure" as any therapy could get.

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"Smart" insulin could dramatically improve the lives of people with type 1 diabetes. Reducing the need for multiple daily injections to just once a week, it would free them from constant glucose monitoring, easing both physical and mental burdens. The technology aims to maintain stable blood sugar levels more effectively than current treatments, potentially reducing long-term health complications. It promises to simplify diabetes management, offering patients greater freedom and peace of mind in their daily lives.

Scientists hail ‘smart’ insulin that responds to changing blood sugar levels in real time

While new "smart insulins" show promise, accessibility remains a critical issue. Despite insulin's discoverers intending it to be widely available, it has become prohibitively expensive for many patients. The problem, therefore, isn't about creating better insulins alone but ensuring affordable access to existing treatments. Strategies like discontinuing older, cheaper versions and blocking competition have kept prices high.

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Cutting-edge insulin is good. But it’s the ‘trailing edge’ of older versions that can keep it affordable

There is a 10% chance of an FDA-approved cure for Type 1 diabetes before Jan. 1, 2032, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

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Will Type 1 diabetes be cured by 2032?

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"Smart" Insulin Set to Revolutionize Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Medicine & healthcare

Diabetes

Health

This development not only promises to reduce the frequency of treatments but also to significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications. It could also free millions of Type 1 diabetes patients from the constant need for glucose monitoring, thereby easing both physical and mental burdens.

While they can be promising, accessibility and affordability remain critical issues. Only when older, cheaper versions of the drug are discontinued and unhealthy competition is checked can these game-changing insulins replace existing treatments and improve diabetics' lives.

There's a 10% chance that an FDA-approved cure for Type 1 diabetes will be there before Jan. 1, 2032, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Scientists Create Pancreas-Mimicking Insulin

"Smart"Scientists InsulinCreate SetPancreas-Mimicking to Revolutionize Type 1 Diabetes TreatmentInsulin

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