The First Innovative Drug Terec Approval for Slowing the Progression of Type 1 Diabetes

Sanofi recently announced that its teplizumab injection (brand name: Terik, English brand name: Tzield) has been approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for pediatric and adult patients aged 8 years and above with Stage 2 Type 1 diabetes to delay the progression to Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes.

 

Tislelizumab is a CD3-targeted monoclonal antibody that protects pancreatic islet function from the root cause, delaying the progression of Type 1 diabetes from stage 2 to stage 3 by nearly three years. This approval marks another significant milestone for the product following the issuance of the first prescriptions in Asia at Boao in June this year. It propels the treatment of Type 1 diabetes in China to achieve a breakthrough shift from "passive treatment" to "active intervention" at a globally leading pace.

 

Sanofi Greater China President Wang Shi stated: "Thanks to the government's efforts to accelerate the approval of innovative drugs, Trelis reached full market availability in China at a globally leading speed, progressing from the pilot program in Boao to nationwide access. This innovative product is also a key strategic asset for Sanofi in the immunology-mediated field and its century-long expertise in diabetes. From the vast population of type 2 diabetes patients to the critically underserved type 1 diabetes community, Sanofi has always remained patient-centric, focusing on innovative treatment solutions to meet unmet needs. Moving forward, Sanofi will continue to deepen collaboration with all sectors of society to advance the development of China’s type 1 diabetes prevention and treatment system, injecting innovative momentum into building a type 1 diabetes-friendly society."

 

Professor Weng Jianping, Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Journal of Diabetes and the Seventh Chairman of the Diabetes Society of the Chinese Medical Association, stated: "The approval of Teplizumab marks a significant advancement in the prevention and treatment of Type 1 diabetes in China. Each additional patient intervention translates to one more family benefiting. This not only provides patients with a precious 'delay period' for their condition but also gives families ample time for mental and physical preparation. Moreover, it will significantly reduce the incidence of life-threatening critical illnesses and alleviate the long-term burden of treatment and care associated with the disease."Children"For adolescents, it represents a 'critical period' of growth and development, as well as preparation for important exams; for young adults, it safeguards the 'prime time' for career building and family planning. This is of great significance in promoting a Type 1 diabetes-friendly society."

 

National MetabolicDiseaseProfessor Zhou Zhiguang, Director of the Clinical Medical Research Center, emphasized: "Type 1 diabetes carries a genetic risk, with the incidence risk in first-degree relatives being up to 15 times higher than in the general population. Early screening is crucial, and islet autoantibodies are the decisive indicators for early screening. The latest release of the 'China Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Guidelines (2024 Edition)' recommends regular early screening for high-risk populations. Early screening can reduce the risk of ketoacidosis by 90%."