‘Not enough money’ in TB vaccine that could cure diabetes

A widespread vaccine used to fight TB for almost a century could reverse Type 1 diabetes and eliminate the need for insulin injections — but is not considered profitable by drug firms.

Harvard University researchers attempting to raise funds to conduct large human studies have made the claim about the 90-year-old BCG vaccine, urging support in funding further research as it could lead to a major breakthrough in tackling diabetes.

Patients with Type 1 diabetes must inject insulin daily to control their blood sugar because their bodies do not produce the hormone. This is because their immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The injections have long been considered the easiest way to tackle the problem.