Researchers this week have reported encouraging new results from an early clinical trial testing gene-edited islet cells in a single adult with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Sweden. More than 14 months after transplantation, the participant is still producing insulin and has done so without immunosuppressants.
The therapy uses islet cells from an organ donor that have then been genetically modified to help them avoid attack by the immune system. Researchers found that the transplanted cells remained alive and functional (i.e., sensing glucose and making insulin), with no severe safety concerns reported during the study.
While these results come from just one participant and the research is still in its early stages, they provide an important proof of concept. One of the biggest challenges in developing cell therapies for T1D is protecting transplanted cells from immune attack without requiring lifelong immunosuppression. This approach could help overcome that barrier.
Breakthrough T1D has been proud to support Sana’s research through the T1D Fund, made possible by the generosity of our donors. Their support helps advance promising therapies like this one and accelerate progress toward cures for T1D.
Sana Biotechnology plans to build on these findings in a new clinical trial using stem cell-derived islet cells, which could make future therapies more scalable and accessible.
At Breakthrough T1D Canada, we’re excited to see this progress and hopeful that the next clinical trial will open soon, including at sites in Canada. Advances like this bring us one step closer to a future where cell therapies can restore insulin production and reduce the burden of living with T1D.
