On June 27, 2025, a significant advancement in type 1 diabetes treatment was reported, highlighting a small clinical trial involving a novel stem cell-based therapy. The study, conducted by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, involved 12 participants with severe type 1 diabetes, a condition affecting approximately 8.4 million people worldwide where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells. The therapy, known as zimislecel, consisted of a single infusion of stem cell-derived islet cells designed to restore insulin production. Results showed that 10 out of the 12 participants achieved insulin independence within 12 months, no longer requiring daily insulin injections. Additionally, their A1c levels, a key measure of blood sugar control, dropped from an average of around 10% to below 7%, indicating improved glucose management. The trial targeted individuals with hypoglycemic unawareness, a complication affecting about 30% of type 1 diabetes patients, where they lack warning signs of dangerously low blood sugar. The findings, presented as part of a late-breaking symposium, suggest potential for earlier detection and intervention, with researchers noting the therapy’s ability to produce glucose-dependent insulin. While the treatment awaits further trials and FDA approval, it marks a step toward addressing the lack of functional pancreatic beta cells, with Vertex planning to expand research to assess long-term benefits and broader applicability.
34news.online
34news.online
