Can a Tuberculosis vaccine cure insulin dependent diabetes?

Results of a Phase 1 clinical trial offer hope to type 1 diabetic patients of a possible cure for type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that the generic drug BCG was able to temporarily reverse Type 1 Diabetes in humans. Presently, BCG is approved by the FDA for use as a vaccine for tuberculosis and for the treatment of bladder cancer. The drug is now starting Phase II trials. In the Phase 1 trial, the BCG vaccine reversedType 1 Diabetes by elevating the tumor necrosis factor which is what is responsible for ridding the body of abnormal white blood cells which in turn are the proposed cause of type 1 diabetes. The BCG vaccine therefore enables the pancreas to produce insulin which keeps the blood sugar levels at acceptable levels. BCG has been used for 90 years and is an inexpensive drug. The success of the Phase 1 trials offers hope to Type 1 Diabetic patients.* Elise Ervin Staff Writer