Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people around the world. There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but there is a lot of promising research underway, including:
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight disease. Several types of immunotherapies are being studied for Type 1 diabetes, including checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapy.
• Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is a treatment that uses stem cells to repair or replace damaged cells. Some types of stem cell therapy being studied include islet cell transplantation, pancreatic ductal cell isolation, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived beta cells.
• Gene therapy: Gene therapy is a treatment that uses genes to treat disease. Currently, researchers are looking into gene editing, gene replacement, and gene silencing.
• Encapsulation: Encapsulation is a treatment that protects cells from the immune system by encasing them in a barrier. Several types of encapsulations are being studied, including alginate beads, microcarriers, and semipermeable capsules.
• Artificial pancreas: An artificial pancreas is a device that automatically delivers insulin and glucagon to keep blood sugar levels in a safe range. Two that show the most promising results include closed-loop systems and hybrid closed-loop systems.
US Groundbreaking Research
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of clinical trials happening right now to help people living with Type 1 diabetes. The following are three clinical trials in the United States that are currently underway for Type 1 diabetes:
• VC02-101 will evaluate an experimental cell replacement therapy: This trial tests the safety and efficacy of a new stem cell therapy called PEC-Direct for Type 1 diabetes. PEC-Direct involves transplanting pancreatic ductal cells from a donor pancreas into the patient's liver. The trial is being conducted at multiple sites in the United States and Europe. The trial is expected to be completed in 2025. The study results will be important for determining whether PEC-Direct is a safe and effective treatment for Type 1 diabetes. For more information, click here.
• VX-880 in improving glycemic control: This trial tests the safety and efficacy of a new gene therapy called VX-880 for Type 1 diabetes. VX-880 involves editing the genes of pancreatic beta cells to make them resistant to attack by the immune system. The trial is expected to be completed in 2026. The study results will be important for determining whether VX-880 is a safe and effective treatment for Type 1 diabetes. The trial is being conducted at multiple sites in the United States and Europe. To find out more, click here.
Global Groundbreaking Research
There is also a lot of promising Type 1 diabetes research being done outside of the United States as well. Here are a few examples:
• In China, scientists have made a significant advancement in creating a novel hydrogel substance designed for treating Type 1 diabetes. This innovative hydrogel can be applied as a protective coating for islets, making it an exceptional immunoprotective solution for islet transplantation therapy. For more information, click here.
• In Australia, researchers are developing a new artificial pancreas that is more portable and user-friendly than current models. The new artificial pancreas uses sensors and pumps to automatically deliver insulin and glucagon to keep blood sugar levels in a safe range. For more information, click here.
• Researchers at the University of Cambridge are developing a way to use artificial intelligence to develop personalized treatment plans for people with Type 1 diabetes. This could help people to manage their blood sugar levels better and reduce the risk of complications. For more information, click here.
These are just a few examples of the many innovative research projects underway for Type 1 diabetes. The research landscape is constantly evolving, and a lot of promising work is being done. With continued research, there is hope that a cure for Type 1 diabetes will be found.
