[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Other glucose-lowering drugs](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-glucose-lowering-drugs/) › Teplizumab

# Teplizumab

## Other glucose-lowering drugs?

Other glucose-lowering drugs

An anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody given as a short course that delays the onset of clinical (stage 3) type 1 diabetes in people at stage 2.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

Also called: teplizumab-mzwv

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Other glucose-lowering drugs](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-glucose-lowering-drugs/)

**Target**
CD3 on T lymphocytes (CD3 epsilon)

**Used for**
To delay the onset

**Key effects**
Transient falls in white cells · Rash · Headache

**Monitor**
Blood counts and liver tests before

**ATC**
A10XX01

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

Type 1 diabetes is caused by T cells that destroy insulin-making beta cells. Teplizumab is a humanized antibody against CD3, the signalling part of the T-cell receptor, engineered not to bind Fc receptors. It partially blocks and modulates the autoimmune T-cell attack on beta cells, preserving their function for longer and delaying the move from stage 2 (autoantibodies and abnormal glucose tolerance) to stage 3 (clinical diabetes).

- Binds CD3 on T cells
- Modulates the autoreactive T cells attacking beta cells
- Beta-cell function is preserved for longer
- Onset of clinical type 1 diabetes is delayed

## Indications

- To delay the onset of stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and children aged 8 years and older with stage 2 type 1 diabetes [Type 1 diabetes mellitus →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/type-1-diabetes-mellitus/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Transient falls in white cells and lymphocytes
- Rash
- Headache

### Serious (rare, important)

- Cytokine-release-type reaction: fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, nausea, headache
- Serious infections
- Liver injury (raised liver enzymes, jaundice)
- Serious skin reactions

## Contraindications

- Not started without review in people with active infection or a weakened immune system

## Key interactions

**Vaccines**
Vaccinations are brought up to date before treatment; vaccines during or after treatment are discussed with the prescriber.

**Other immunosuppressants**
Additive immunosuppression and infection risk.

## What is monitored

- Blood counts and liver tests before and during the course
- Signs of infection
- Fever and symptoms of cytokine release during the infusions
- Glucose and HbA1c over time

## Administration and safety

- Given once a day for 14 days by a health professional, after baseline laboratory tests.
- Vaccines are updated before starting; missed appointments are rescheduled promptly.
- Premedication and monitoring are used to reduce cytokine-release symptoms.

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended: the immune effects could affect the fetus; breastfeeding is also avoided during and for some weeks after the course.

## Nursing care

- Before: blood count, liver tests, vaccination status, signs of infection.
- During: temperature, rash, symptoms of infection or liver injury at each visit.
- Teach to report fever, cough, breathlessness, yellow eyes or dark urine.
- Teach that breastfeeding is avoided during the course and for some weeks after.

## Pharmacokinetics

**Onset and duration**
Given once daily as a 14-day course; the benefit is a delay of clinical diabetes measured over months to years (Katzung).

## Memory aid

TEPLIZUMAB: 'TEmPorarily LImits the T cells' with an anti-CD3 key. Stage 2 → stage 3 is delayed, not prevented.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which stage of type 1 diabetes is teplizumab used in, and what does it do?

Stage 2 (autoantibodies with abnormal glucose tolerance); it delays progression to stage 3, clinical diabetes.

## What is teplizumab's target?

CD3 on T lymphocytes.

## Which blood change is expected and transient during the course?

A fall in white cells, particularly lymphocytes.

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[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 1

- [Insulin glargine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/insulin-glargine/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Type 1 diabetes mellitus](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/type-1-diabetes-mellitus/)

[← Back to the class: Other glucose-lowering drugs](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-glucose-lowering-drugs/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Teplizumab-mzwv injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a622077.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2022).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/teplizumab/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/teplizumab/