Eli Lilly BARICADE trials
Australian research uncovers potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is recruiting for two clinical trials to investigate the use of baricitinib to delay the onset and progression of type 1 diabetes. These trials are possible thanks to the world-first BANDIT study led by researchers in Melbourne.
The BANDIT study tested the use of baricitinib in children and young adults recently diagnosed with type 1. It found that a once daily pill taken for a year preserved insulin production, stabilised blood glucose levels and improved time-in-range. Importantly, it showed the drug – which is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia – Is safe and effective for people with type 1.
The hope is that these two Eli Lilly BARICADE trials will confirm the findings of the BANDIT study and lead to the use of baricitinib in clinical practice for type 1 diabetes.
Testing through Type1Screen can determine if a person has diabetes related autoantibodies, making them eligible for the trials. Autoantibodies are proteins in the blood showing the immune system is attacking the beta cells of the pancreas.
BARICADE-DELAY
One of the clinical trials will test whether baricitinib can delay stage 3 type 1 diabetes. Stage 3 is the time when a clinical diagnosis is made, while stages 1 and 2 are pre-symptomatic – when there are still sufficient insulin producing cells to control blood glucose.
The study will follow participants for around 5 years and will track two groups. One group will take baricitinib while the other group will take a placebo. Researchers will compare how long it takes for them to be diagnosed with stage 3.
Who can join the study?
People between 1 and 35 years of age who have:
- At least 2 autoantibodies related to diabetes
- Stage 1b or stage 2 type 1 diabetes
- A body weight of at least 8kg
BARICADE-PRESERVE
This clinical trial will test whether baricitinib can preserve insulin production in people who have been recently diagnosed with stage 3 type 1 diabetes. This study will follow participants for around 60 weeks and measure their C-peptide levels. C-peptide is a molecule released alongside insulin, so it can be used as a measure of insulin production.
Who can join the study?
People between 1 and 35 years of age who have:
- A type 1 diabetes diagnosis in the last 3 months
- At least 1 autoantibody related to diabetes
- A body weight of at least 8kg
Participants must be willing to wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor if aged 2 years or older.
Why these trials are important
Preserving insulin production could mean people in stage 3 of type 1 require less insulin, and those in stage 2 could have more years without needing to take insulin at all.
Delaying the progression of type 1 marks an important milestone as researchers strive to one day halt its development entirely.
Diabetes Victoria is committed to sharing research opportunities with our members and the broader diabetes community. We know people with lived experience want to be informed about the latest research and how they can participate. We are proud to connect researchers with the people who will benefit most from their research. These clinical trials have the potential to transform care for people recently diagnosed with type 1 and we encourage eligible people to get involved.
How to get involved
Type1Screen is a national program offering antibody testing to relatives of people with type 1 diabetes, to determine if they are at risk of developing type 1.
Only 1 in every 100 people screened will be suitable for the BARICADE trials, so community support is vital.
“We need to screen as many people as we can across Australia to find 20 – 50 eligible participants,” says lead doctor Professor John Wentworth.
“To find a cure for type 1, we need the community to get involved.”
“If you live with type 1, please encourage your relatives to get screened. This is a call to parents and grandparents, round up the kids and have a screening day.”
Type1Screen participants have access to support and information from a team of diabetes experts. Eligible people will have the option to participate in the BARICADE trials.
Visit www.type1screen.org for more information.
Britt Denton
Communications and Media Lead
Brittany Denton is the Communications and Media Lead at Diabetes Victoria. She oversees media relations and communications, contributing to the organisation’s mission of supporting people with diabetes across the state.
