EMA has recommended granting a marketing authorisation in the European Union (EU) for Teizeild (teplizumab) to delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and in children from 8 years of age with stage 2 type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose (sugar) by allowing it to move into cells to produce energy. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood and causes multiple symptoms, like thirst, hunger, frequent urination, weight loss and tiredness. Over time, it can affect major organs in the body, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Patients need daily insulin injections to control their glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes often begins in childhood but can occur at any age. The disease progresses in three stages, and symptoms normally appear at stage 3, when daily insulin injections to manage blood…