The new diabetes vaccine involves injecting a protein which stops the body from destroying insulin-producing cells. Currently those with Type 1 diabetes need daily injections of synthetic insulin because the pancreas stops producing its own.
The first human trials of a vaccine against Type 1 diabetes were described as “very exciting” by one of the lead researchers.
But it could be a decade before any significant progress is seen, according to Prof. Mark Peakman of King’s College London.
“Following this, it would be logical to test the vaccine in individuals at risk of diabetes, to see whether prevention is possible,” Prof. Peakman said.
Currently people with Type 1 diabetes, the most serious form of the condition, need daily injections of synthetic insulin because the pancreas stops producing its own insulin.