New biologic therapy at UC Davis Health delays onset of type 1 diabetes

UC Davis Health now offers Tzield, also known as teplizumab, a first-in-class biologic therapy designed to delay the onset and progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The new availability expands early intervention options for families in the region.

UC Davis Health is the only healthcare system in the Sacramento region and inland northern California to offer this T1D therapy.

This prescription monoclonal antibody is available for adults and children 1 year of age and older with:

• Stage 2 T1D, in which patients are pre-symptomatic, but blood glucose becomes irregular.
• Stage 3 T1D, in which patients are recently diagnosed with T1D within eight weeks.

"Bringing Tzield to UC Davis Health represents more than an advancement in care. It reflects our deep commitment to the families we serve and to a future in which type 1 diabetes can be delayed or even redefined," said Caroline Schulmeister, pediatric endocrinologist at UC Davis Health.

The mechanics behind the intervention

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Traditionally, diagnosis occurs after symptoms develop and there has already been a significant loss of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Tzield provides a pivotal opportunity for providers to intervene at the earliest stages of disease.

Tzield binds to specific receptors on immune cells, disabling them from destroying insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It is administered as a daily intravenous infusion for 14 days.

Screening plays a key role in identifying patients who may benefit from this therapy. UC Davis Health offers screening to first-degree relatives (for example, parents, siblings or children) of individuals with type 1 diabetes because they are at increased risk of developing this condition. The care team also plans to offer screening to pediatric gastroenterology and rheumatology patients, who often have autoimmune diseases and may be at risk of type 1 diabetes.

Pediatricians and primary care physicians can order a type 1 diabetes screening panel, then refer their patients to UC Davis Health if they test positive. At-home screening kits are also available.

"We are committed to lead innovative and preventive medicine and are proud to bring forward therapies that offer hope at an earlier stage of this disease," said Rachael Lee, a UC Davis Health nurse practitioner who specializes in pediatric diabetes. "This work embodies our mission to improve the lives for people with diabetes, ensuring every patient and family feels supported, empowered and cared for at every step of their journey."