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Early results show 10 out of 12 patients insulin-free one year after treatment
An experimental stem cell therapy has enabled the majority of participants in a small clinical trial to stop using insulin injections, offering new hope for people with Type 1 diabetes.
The treatment, which involves infusing lab-grown pancreatic cells into the liver, allowed 10 of 12 patients to remain insulin-independent for at least one year following a single dose. The breakthrough offers a promising new approach to managing the disease, which affects millions worldwide and currently requires lifelong insulin administration.
The engineered cells, derived from stem cells and matured to function like insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, were delivered via infusion into the liver. Once in the body, they begin to regulate blood sugar levels by producing insulin in response to glucose.
To prevent the body from rejecting the implanted cells, patients must take immunosuppressant drugs—an approach that carries potential risks and limits widespread application. However, researchers emphasize that the initial results mark a significant advance in regenerative medicine.
The study, now expanding to include 50 participants, aims to assess the safety, durability, and long-term efficacy of the therapy. If successful, the treatment could eventually offer a scalable alternative to donor-derived islet cell transplants, which are limited by availability.
While long-term outcomes remain unknown, the findings suggest the possibility of a near-limitless supply of therapeutic insulin-producing cells—potentially transforming the landscape of diabetes care.
