Overview

• Two-year data from the Australian BANDIT trial found that benefits seen during 48 weeks of daily baricitinib waned after treatment cessation, with outcomes no longer significantly different from placebo at 72 and 96 weeks.
• The randomized study enrolled 91 participants aged 10–30 within 100 days of diagnosis, assigning 4 mg baricitinib or placebo once daily for 48 weeks.
• C‑peptide levels showed a numerical advantage on treatment (0.65 vs 0.43 nmol/L at week 48) that narrowed off drug (0.49 vs 0.36 at week 72; 0.37 vs 0.26 at week 96).
• Insulin requirements and glucose control measures that improved on therapy were not significantly different from placebo by weeks 72 and 96, and no new safety issues were identified in follow‑up.
• Roughly two‑thirds met response criteria, yet baseline factors and adherence did not predict who responded, and investigators plan Phase III trials with the goal of potential approval within about five years if successful.