New Immunotherapy SAB-142 Moves Forward in Type 1 Diabetes Research
SAB Biotherapeutics is presenting early safety and effectiveness data for an experimental treatment designed to preserve insulin-producing cells in Type 1 diabetes. The company is testing the approach across different stages of the disease.
Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- SAB-142 is a fully human anti-thymocyte immunoglobulin (hATG) being studied as a potential immunotherapy for Type 1 diabetes
- The treatment is designed to be redosable—meaning it can be given more than once—which differs from some other experimental approaches
- Early Phase 1 data on safety and efficacy will be presented at the Breakthrough T1D Clinical & Research Congress in October 2026
- Two clinical trials, called SAFEGUARD and PRISE-hATG, are evaluating SAB-142 across different stages of the disease
- The goal is to preserve the body's own insulin production rather than relying on insulin administration alone
A Different Approach to Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
SAB Biotherapeutics is developing an experimental treatment called SAB-142 that takes a different approach to Type 1 diabetes. Rather than focusing only on managing blood sugar with insulin, SAB-142 is designed to preserve the body's own insulin-producing beta cells by modulating the immune system.
The treatment is a fully human anti-thymocyte immunoglobulin (hATG)—a type of immunotherapy that works to rebalance immune function. Unlike some experimental approaches that can only be given once, SAB-142 is redosable, meaning it can be administered multiple times if needed.
Research Moving Through Clinical Trials
SAB Biotherapeutics is testing SAB-142 in people with Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes, which is when the autoimmune attack on beta cells is underway but the body still produces some insulin. Two active studies—SAFEGUARD and PRISE-hATG—are evaluating the treatment across different stages of the disease.
Early Phase 1 data examining the safety and effectiveness of SAB-142 will be presented at the inaugural Breakthrough T1D Clinical & Research Congress, being held October 9-11, 2026, in Philadelphia. These presentations will provide the first public look at how the treatment performed in initial human testing.
What This Means for the Type 1 Diabetes Field
The development of SAB-142 reflects a broader shift in Type 1 diabetes research toward treatments that aim to preserve endogenous insulin production—the insulin the body makes on its own. This approach complements existing insulin therapies rather than replacing them.
SAB Biotherapeutics' participation in the Breakthrough T1D Clinical & Research Congress underscores industry and research commitment to exploring innovative immunotherapy options for people living with Type 1 diabetes. As more data emerges from ongoing trials, researchers and clinicians will have a better understanding of whether and how SAB-142 might fit into treatment strategies across the disease spectrum.
Evidence label
Origin: GlobeNewswire News Room (News report). Evidence: News report — unverified, pending corroboration. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.
Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.
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