The first drug designed to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes is now available through the NHS, according to BBC News. The treatment is an immunotherapy that is given to people who are at risk of developing type 1 diabetes, with the aim of postponing the point at which they need to start insulin. BBC reports that the drug can provide an additional period of time before insulin becomes necessary, including for children and adults. The outlet states that, on average, the therapy can delay development of the disease by up to three years. The NHS availability marks the first routine use of a medicine specifically intended to intervene in the progression from risk to active type 1 diabetes, rather than treating only after insulin dependence begins. BBC does not indicate in the provided text which patient groups are eligible beyond those at risk, nor does it describe detailed dosing, side effects, or funding criteria in the excerpts shared. Overall, the reports focus on the drug’s role in delaying insulin requirement and highlight its first introduction through NHS services.