28 Feb 2023 • In children and adolescents with new-onset type 1 diabetes, the calcium channel blocker verapamil slowed the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells for up to a year, new data show. Use of daily verapamil within a month of diagnosis resulted in a 30% increase in C-peptide secretion (a measure of preserved beta-cell function) compared to placebo at 52 weeks, without serious adverse events.

In recent years, immune-modulating agents have increasingly been shown to preserve beta-cell function in both new-onset and preclinical type 1 diabetes. One such agent, teplizumab, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2022 to delay type 1 diabetes onset in those at high risk. The preservation of C-peptide, was much lower with verapamil, at 30%, than with teplizumab, at 75%.

"In view of the favorable safety profile, particularly by comparison with immune-suppressive agents, once-a-day oral administration, and low cost, initiation of verapamil should be a consideration for newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes," added lead research author Dr. Forlenza, a pediatric endocrinologist.

Source: Medscape | Read full story