AGC Biologics in Bothell to produce new diabetes treatment

AC Biologics, based in Bothell, Washington, is set to manufacture Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv), a groundbreaking treatment for Type 1 diabetes that can delay the disease's onset by approximately two years. This FDA-approved therapy, developed by Provention Bio, is administered intravenously and offers a new approach to managing this chronic condition. Research shows that Tzield can significantly postpone the progression to stage 3 diabetes in patients older than eight, allowing them to avoid the daily burden of insulin injections for a crucial period. Dr. John Sharretts, director at the FDA, highlighted the treatment's potential to provide patients with more time free from diabetes complications.

Experts from the UK’s Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation noted that this delay may enable younger children’s pancreases to grow to adult size, leading to improved health outcomes. AC Biologics has collaborated closely with Provention to ensure the drug's readiness for commercial production, marking an important step forward for the Type 1 diabetes community. Provention's CEO expressed hope that Tzield's launch will significantly impact the lives of patients and their families.