LSF can effectively prevent type 1 diabetes in preclinical models and improves the function and viability of isolated or transplanted pancreatic islets.

As well, LSF improves cellular mitochondrial function and blocks interleukin-12 (IL-12) signaling and STAT-4 activation in target cells and tissues.

IL-12 and STAT-4 activation are important pathways linked to inflammation and autoimmune damage to insulin producing cells.

Therefore, LSF and related analogs could provide a new therapeutic approach to prevent or reverse type 1 diabetes.

The R enantiomer of the pentoxyfylline analogue in which the ketone has been reduced to an alcohol shows enhanced activity as an inhibitor of acetyl CoA over the parent drug.