Stem-cell treatment for T1DM brings ‘real hope’ as patients achieve insulin independence
The need for immunosuppressive drugs is still a problem to be tackled.
Ten people with type 1 diabetes have been “cured” in a phase II trial of a stem-cell treatment.
A year after a one-time infusion to create new, functional pancreatic islets cells, participants no longer needed insulin injections, according to findings presented at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in June.
The patients, who had impaired hypoglycaemic awareness did not record hypoglycaemic events after a single infusion of Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ zimislecel.
The treatment required ongoing immunosuppressive therapy to protect the islets from immune rejection.
