A T cell is a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that plays a major role in immunity. They are name T cells because they mature in the thymus, an organ of the immune system.

A recent treatment of type 1 diabetes has captured the attention of the FDA. It consists of raising the number of T cells in the body. Dubbed the CLBS03 treatment, it clones T cells from the patient to increase their numbers and combat type 1 diabetes. T cell attack is what destroys insulin-producing cells, making this approach sound illogical. However, the T cells in this treatment (T-regs) control the T effector cells, which are the one responsible for attacking the body in autoimmune diseases. Theoretically, the idea is that T-regs will regulate T effector cells, which in turn would stop insulin-producing cell destruction.

This ingenious treatment is being developed by Stanford health, in collaboration with Caladrius Biosciences, a biotechnology company.

In fact, it is so ingenious that it currently has a Fast Track status bestowed by federal regulators. This designation makes the approval process go quicker and smoother, which means it can be available sooner for those who need it.

In a previous phase I studies, the drug showed that treatment undisturbed the function of insulin-producing cells and reduced insulin requirements. Now that it has passed that phase, it is now in phase II studies being tested in 111 teens with type 1 diabetes. To know more about how to enroll in this study, visit the Stanford Health website.

This is a very promising development indeed.