Initial results from clinical trials of a DNA vaccine for type I diabetes are encouraging

Robert Scheinman – Denver Diabetes Examiner

June 10, 10:46 AM

Bayhill Therapeutics, Inc announced today that it is collaborating with Genentech in the production of a DNA based vaccine to treat type I diabetes. The vaccine, an antigen specific immunotherapy, is currently in phase I/II trials. Bayhill Therapeutics will finish out the ongoing trials and Genentech will then proceed with all future research and development of the vaccine.

The vaccine is currently referred to by the code BHT-3021. It was developed by Dr. Peter Gottleib, a physician scientist working in the Barbara Davis Center at the University of Colorado Denver. He recently presented interim clinical trial data at the American Diabetes Association 69th Scientific Session in New Orleans.  Type I diabetes patients who still retained some insulin production were given the vaccine by weekly intramuscular injections. A placebo group was similarly treated with an inactive substance. The study group showed a stabilization of the study group’s insulin production over the 12 week study period. All adverse effects were mild and the data suggests that BHT-3021 will be well tolerated.

BHT-3021 encodes the proinsulin gene and is designed to target immune cells that are attacking insulin secreting cells. Animal studies have shown that indeed this vaccine does modulate the immune system, restoring tolerance to beta cells. It is important to note that this vaccine will only work for type I diabetes patients who still retain some insulin production.

For more information, contact the Barbara Davis Center.

DNAWellnessinfo.com Resource:  http://www.examiner.com/x-10874-Denver-Diabetes-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Initial-results-from-clinical-trials-of-a-DNA-vaccine-for-type-I-diabetes-are-encouraging