A novel and clinically relevant dimension in tipe 2 diabetes care with INTERCEPT-T2D
The INTERCEPT-T2D project is pioneering a new era in diabetes research by focusing on the role of inflammation in the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This European Union-funded initiative aims to identify patients at higher risk of early complications and develop targeted interventions to prevent disease progression. Given the widespread impact of T2D – affecting over 54 million people in Europe alone – this project represents a crucial step toward more effective management and treatment strategies.
Coordinated by the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) in France, INTERCEPT-T2D brings together 12 research groups from seven European countries. A key contributor to the project is Prof. Michele Solimena and his team at the Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, who are collaborating with experts in various disciplines. The European Union has allocated €8 million under the Horizon Europe Programme to support this research, which began in January 2023 and will continue until December 2027.
The role of inflammatory markers
At the core of INTERCEPT-T2D is the discovery that a subset of T2D patients already exhibits systemic low-grade chronic inflammation at diagnosis. This inflammation is not only present throughout the body but also affects pancreatic islets, impairing beta-cell function. This suggests that some individuals have an inflammatory-mediated T2D subtype, requiring specific medical interventions. The identification of inflammatory markers in diabetes patients could redefine classification and treatment approaches, moving towards more precise, personalized medical care.
To achieve this goal, INTERCEPT-T2D utilizes cutting-edge scientific techniques, including genomics, proteomics, and high-resolution imaging. By analyzing well-documented European patient cohorts, researchers aim to identify key inflammatory biomarkers associated with T2D progression. The project seeks to determine how inflammation influences complications such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and retinopathy, ultimately enabling early intervention strategies.
First patient enrolled in a phase 2 study
A significant milestone was reached in July 2024 with the enrollment of the first patient in the DAPAN-DIA clinical trial in Basel, Switzerland. Led by Dr. Marc Donath, this Phase II study investigates the potential of dapansutrile, a selective NLRP3 inhibitor, in 300 T2D patients exhibiting high systemic inflammation. The trial evaluates whether dapansutrile, combined with standard anti-diabetic therapy and GLP-1 treatment, can reduce inflammation and improve cardiometabolic outcomes, including glucose control and weight reduction.
This trial is particularly important as it marks the first time a selective NLRP3 inhibitor is being tested in T2D patients. Unlike conventional treatments that primarily focus on lowering blood sugar levels, this innovative approach addresses the underlying inflammation that contributes to disease complications. If successful, the trial could lead to a paradigm shift in diabetes care, emphasizing inflammation control as a critical factor in disease management.
Redefining diabetes treatment strategies
The potential impact of INTERCEPT-T2D extends far beyond academic research. By redefining diabetes treatment strategies, the project could transform medical practice, leading to earlier diagnoses and more effective interventions. In addition to clinical research, INTERCEPT-T2D integrates molecular studies to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving inflammation in T2D. The project’s use of advanced single-cell sequencing, multiplex imaging, and in situ omics analyses enables scientists to investigate the cellular origins of elevated immune activity in pancreatic islets.
The project’s long-term vision is to implement these findings into routine diabetes care, making inflammation screening a standard practice for at-risk individuals. As the project continues, researchers remain optimistic about the potential breakthroughs that INTERCEPT-T2D could bring to diabetes care. With a unique combination of clinical trials, molecular research, and precision medicine, the initiative is paving the way for a future where diabetes complications are no longer inevitable. The knowledge gained through INTERCEPT-T2D could serve as a model for approaching other inflammatory-related diseases, further extending its impact beyond diabetes.
