Teplizumab Becomes First Type 1 Diabetes Delay Drug on NHS

Teplizumab, sold as Tzield, is an immunotherapy drug for type 1 diabetes and is the first medicine designed to delay the onset of symptomatic stage 3 type 1 diabetes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence issued final draft guidance on 22 June 2026 for its use on the NHS in England and Wales.

Type 1 Diabetes and Disease Stages

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Stage 2 type 1 diabetes refers to the presence of type 1 diabetes autoantibodies and abnormal blood sugar levels without the need for insulin treatment. Stage 3 type 1 diabetes is the symptomatic stage that requires ongoing insulin therapy.

Teplizumab: Drug Profile and Administration

Teplizumab is manufactured by Sanofi and is approved for adults and children aged eight years and above. The drug is given as a one-time 14-day course of intravenous infusions, with each infusion session lasting about 30 minutes. It is licensed in the United Kingdom by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

NHS Access and Eligibility

The drug is intended for people in the early, pre-symptomatic stage of type 1 diabetes who have type 1 diabetes autoantibodies and slightly raised blood sugar levels. NHS availability in England is expected within 90 days of the final guidance publication, while availability in Wales is expected within 60 days of 23 June 2026. An estimated 1,100 people are expected to be eligible in the first year, with about 820 patients each year thereafter.

Important Facts for Exams

• Teplizumab is the first immunotherapy drug developed to delay symptomatic type 1 diabetes.
• The drug was licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in August 2025.
• Type 1 diabetes is classified into stages 1, 2 and 3 in clinical practice.
• Teplizumab is administered by intravenous infusion rather than by oral tablets.

Exam-Relevant Points

Teplizumab is used before lifelong insulin therapy becomes necessary. The drug is available for patients aged eight years and above in the United Kingdom.