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Ingested Interferon Alpha: Prolongation or Permanence of the "Honeymoon" Phase in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

NCT00005665 · Status: UNKNOWN · Phase: PHASE2 · Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Last updated 2005-06-24

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

We hypothesize that ingested human recombinant interferon-alpha (hrIFN-a) will prolong the "honeymoon" period and enhance B cell survival in type 1 diabetes in a phase II randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. We have demonstrated that ingested IFN-a prevents type 1 diabetes in the NOD mouse, prolongs the "honeymoon" period in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetics, and delays murine islet allograft rejection. The natural history of type 1 diabetes is unique for a phase frequently referred as the "honeymoon," a period in which the insulin need becomes minimal and glycemic control improves. The B cell (the insulin producing cell) partially recovers. However, as with all honeymoons, they end and the patient becomes completely insulin-deficient. The general consensus of the international diabetes community is to test potential preventive therapies for type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients. Prolongation of the honeymoon as the reversal of the disease is considered a positive result.

In this phase II randomized, double-blind, parallel-design clinical trial we will determine whether ingested (oral) human recombinant IFN-a will prolong the "honeymoon" period and increase counterregulatory anti-inflammatory cytokine(s).

We will determine the safety and efficacy of 30,000 units ingested hrIFN-a vs placebo in eighty patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in a phase II trial for one year. Primary outcome measures will be a 30% increase in C-peptide levels released after Sustacal stimulation at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after entry. Secondary outcome will be decreasing titers of islet cell antibodies (ICA). If successful, a larger and longer phase III trial of prevention of type 1 diabetes in high risk patients will be undertaken. We will also determine if ingested hrIFN-a increases IL-4, IL-10 or IFN-a production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMNC) from patients with recent onset type 1 diabetes.

Conditions

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1

Interventions

DRUG

interferon alpha

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)

    lead NIH

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
3 Years
Max Age
25 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00005665 on ClinicalTrials.gov