Older drug reprograms white blood cells, improves blood sugar in type 1 diabetes

Key Points:

• A small trial found that six Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) shots over five years significantly improved blood sugar control in adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes by reprogramming white blood cells, reducing HbA1c levels and insulin use without increased hypoglycemia.
• Lab-grown bacteria composed of 15 strains originally cultured from healthy donors prevented recurrence of severe C. difficile diarrhea in a pilot study, showing similar effectiveness to fecal microbiota transplants but with potential advantages in manufacturing and standardization.
• An experimental vaccine targeting both Lassa fever and rabies was safe and induced strong immune responses in a first-in-human trial of 54 healthy volunteers, with further studies planned to assess long-term immunity and larger trials if results persist.
• The BCG immunotherapy works independently of the pancreas by correcting a metabolic defect in white blood cells that affects blood sugar regulation, representing a novel approach to treating type 1 diabetes beyond insulin replacement.
• The freeze-dried Lassa fever and rabies vaccine could improve distribution in regions with limited cold storage, addressing significant public health threats in western Africa where both diseases are prevalent.