A small trial on US patients suggests that alefacept helps the body produce its own insulin, which is key for people with type 1 diabetes. Researchers said the drug could be better than other treatments because it protects the immune system – but more research was needed. He said the initial findings meant that in the future the drug “could be used to stabilize type 1 diabetes and prevent its progression” – but it was unlikely to be a cure.

“The results of this study appear worthy of further exploration. Small steps forward such as this take us closer to a world without type 1 diabetes.

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