A drug commonly used to treat a skin disorder called psoriasis has shown signs that it may be effective as well in treating type 1 diabetes, according to a small trial conducted by researchers.

The psoriasis drug called Alefacept with brand name Amevive was discontinued in 2011. However, researchers from the Indiana University, Indianapolis seemed to find a way to get it back in the market as soon as they are able to fully establish that the drug may do wonders on another disease particularly type 1 diabetes.

The researchers recruited a total of 49 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for their small trial. Thirty-three patients were given alefacept injections for 12 weeks, took a break for 12 weeks, then another set of 12 weeks for the injections. The rest were given placebo.

The team monitored the reaction of the pancreas of the patients two hours after eating to see if there are changes on their insulin levels. They have observed that there were no changes on the first two hours but happened four hours later instead.

Those who were given the psoriasis drug were able to preserve insulin while those under placebo showed a decrease of insulin levels. The findings remained the same after the 12-month follow-up period.

Aside from stabilizing the insulin levels, those who used the alefacept had fewer episodes of hypoglacemia or glucose deficiency which is common for type 1 diabetes patients.

While the initial findings are promising, lead researcher Prof. Mark Rigby clarified that the drug can only help stabilize the insulin levels of the patients and not provide a cure for type 1 diabetes. They are still monitoring the progress of the participants and will check them again after 18 months.

The study was published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.