A ground-breaking clinical trial of a new investigational drug has been launched to help prevent and manage Type 1 diabetes, and researchers have already dosed the first patient in the world with the treatment.

The drug, which was developed by scientists Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB), aims to help the regrowth of insulin making 'beta' cells of the pancreas, which are lost in patients living with the disease. Despite being an early phase trial, the CRF has now dosed two patients with this new drug.

Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where blood glucose levels are too high because the body cannot make a hormone called insulin. Those with Type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin but if this clinical trial works, the regrowth - or regeneration - of beta cells may mean those with Type 1 diabetes becoming far less dependent on insulin injections. The benefits of the new drug would reduce lifelong conditions and complications associated with the chronic disease.

Patients who have taken part in the trial so far have spoken very highly of the treatment and the overall experience they have received at Cardiff and Vale UHB. The first patient to receive the dose said; "I'm really grateful that I was given the opportunity to take part in this study. I hope that my participation will help with the management of Type 1 diabetes for future generations."

After being monitored for 72 hours after the treatment, the two patients showed no side effects. Cardiff's CRF team are hoping to attract up to eight more adult volunteers to take part in the clinical trial who have had diabetes for more than two years.

The results of this innovative trial in diabetes treatment could be ground-breaking and is part of a wider program of studies to preserve and regrow the insulin making cells in Type 1 diabetes being pursued by the Cardiff team, with trials in both adults and children.

Carys Thomas, interim Director of Health and Care Research Wales, said: "The CRF in Cardiff is not only leading the way in this ground-breaking study but the team's hard work also shows that Wales is competing successfully on an international level to attract global pharmaceutical companies and commercial investment. It will also pave the way to bring more high quality research into Wales, which could help treat other conditions."

(Source: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board)

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