Scientists have developed what could be the first tablet-based treatment for children and adults with Type 1 diabetes. Early animal trials indicate that the anti-Ras FTS compound is effective in restoring insulin production in animal models ― which could spell an end to the daily needle injections endured by diabetics.

Through treating cells with the Tel Aviv University FTS compound, Mor was able to find and isolate an important immune system regulator protein called Foxp3. This protein keeps T cells in the immune system in check. T cells are the immune system's "soldiers" that fight off infection and disease. In her studies in the lab, when Mor blocked Ras using the FTS drug, she was able to increase the Foxp3 protein which gave a boost to the all-important T cells.

Mor then theorized that if the amount of regulatory T cells in the body was increased, the progression of diabetes would diminish. "My aim was to slow down diabetes, which brings a suitcase of side-effects like circulatory problems that lead to blindness and amputations," she says.

In her recent study, Mor treated pre-diabetic mice for six months. One group was given FTS, another was given no drug at all. The outcome was dramatic. Only 16% of the treated group developed diabetes, while 82% of the untreated group became diabetic. Also, insulin production from beta cells in the treated group of mice increased in comparison to insulin production in the non-treated group, she reports.

The compount has already passed toxicity studies for other diseases and disorders and thus has the potential to fast-track through FDA regulatory steps, skipping straight to Phase II clinical trials. This research has been published in the June issue of the European Journal of Pharmacology.