A first-of-its-kind therapy that can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes for up to three years has been approved for use by the NHS.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has given the go ahead for teplizumab, which charity Diabetes UK says "marks the start of a new age of type 1 diabetes treatment".
Teplizumab, also known as Tzield and made by Sanofi, is approved for children aged eight and over - and adults - who have type 1 diabetes in its early stage before symptoms show.
Administered through a drip into a vein once a day across 14 days, it is a one-time course of treatment that trains the immune system to stop attacking pancreatic cells.
Evidence shows the drug can delay the onset of type 1, so that people can live a fuller life and giving children a longer period before they have to do more to manage their diabetes.
There are around 400,000 people in the UK living with the lifelong condition.
NICE estimates about 1,100 people could be eligible for teplizumab in the first year, dropping to 820 patients in the coming years.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: "Today's landmark approval of teplizumab marks the start of a new age of type 1 diabetes treatment.
"For the first time in 100 years, we are moving beyond insulin, with a medicine that targets the root cause of the condition.
"This is an extraordinary moment for celebration in the type 1 diabetes community, and represents a shift towards a future where type 1 diabetes can be prevented altogether.
"Teplizumab offers those in the early stages of type 1 diabetes extra years free from the relentless demands of managing the condition with insulin, as well as valuable time to prepare."
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Identifying those with the condition early means they could then be eligible for teplizumab. There are currently two UK studies looking at screening for type 1 diabetes.
The Early Surveillance for Autoimmune Diabetes (Elsa) study, funded by Diabetes UK and Breakthrough T1D, is screening children aged two to 17.
The separate T1DRA study is screening adults between 18 and 70.
Dr Robertson added: "We want a future where everyone with early-stage type 1 diabetes can benefit from immunotherapies.
"Through our long-term investment in world-class research, and partnership with the NHS and industry, we are working to make a national type 1 diabetes screening programme a reality."
(c) Sky News 2026: New diabetes treatment gets 'landmark' approval for NHS
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