DEFEND is a Phase 3 clinical study evaluating a new investigational agent called otelixizumab (oh' te lix iz' oo mab). In type 1 diabetes, beta cells -- the cells that make insulin -- are destroyed by the body's immune system. If this destruction could be slowed or stopped, the person could continue to make some of their own insulin. This would result in better control of blood sugar levels, and there would likely be fewer long-term complications of diabetes, such as eye, kidney, and heart disease.

Otelixizumab is now being tested to see if it can reduce the destruction of beta cells in people with type 1 diabetes. It is an investigational agent, which means it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing. It is not yet known whether otelixizumab will be effective against type 1 diabetes.

Because subjects must have been diagnosed within 90 days of starting DEFEND, there is only a brief period of time in which to decide whether you would like to participate in DEFEND. We invite you to explore our website; or, click here for contact information that will allow you to communicate directly with study personnel.