Low-Cost Transplant Drug Shows Promise in Preserving Beta Cells After Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

September 18, 2025
Phase 2 results from the MELD-ATG trial, led by Chantal Mathieu, show that a low dose of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), an existing transplant drug, can safely preserve beta cell function and delay progression of type 1 diabetes in children and young adults (5-25 years) newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
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ATG is already available in hospitals for transplantation and costs under €200, making it far more accessible than many new therapies in development. The MELD-ATG study identified the minimum effective low dose, opening the door to practical use in type 1 diabetes care. Findings were presented at the EASD annual meeting and published in The Lancet.

For families, this matters: preserving beta cells can reduce daily disease burden, improve long-term outcomes, and change the course of type 1 diabetes at diagnosis.

The trial was conducted within INNODIA, a global partnership of academic centers and patient representatives, showing the strength of collaboration and patient involvement in driving progress toward disease-modifying therapies.

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