Stem cell therapy frees diabetics from insulin
UNITED STATES, JUN 21 – Zimislecel, a stem cell therapy, enabled 83% of severe type 1 diabetes patients to stop insulin injections for at least one year, with no severe hypoglycemia reported, researchers said.
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals presented phase 2 FORWARD study results on June 20-23, 2025, showing that 10 of 12 type 1 diabetes patients became insulin independent after receiving zimislecel in Chicago.
- The results followed more than 25 years of research, with patients receiving a portal vein infusion of stem cell-derived islet cells plus immunosuppressive drugs to prevent immune rejection.
- All 12 participants showed islet cell engraftment with C-peptide detected after infusion, maintained healthy glucose levels, avoided severe hypoglycemia, and 10 stopped insulin use after about six months.
- Michael Rickels expressed optimism that the results could lead to a groundbreaking therapy, while Marlon Pragnell highlighted stem cell treatment as a highly encouraging development that could significantly improve management of type 1 diabetes.
- The study’s success may lead to a regulatory submission next year and suggests a potential new treatment to restore insulin production and reduce hypoglycemia risks in type 1 diabetes patients.
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The Conversation
Medical XpressPeople with severe diabetes cured in small stem cell trial
A man having his continuous glucose monitor checked by his doctor. Halfpoint/ShutterstockThe cure for diabetes is a life free from daily insulin injections. Based on that criterion, ten out of 12 people (83%) in a new clinical trial were cured of their diabetes one year after receiving an advanced stem cell therapy. This study used laboratory-grown pancreatic islet cells. They were infused into the liver, where they took up residence. Within a y…
News Medical
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This Stem Cell Treatment Could One Day Make Insulin Obsolete
Type I diabetes is an exhausting full-time job. Having it means living a life full of constant care and maintenance. You’re always checking in on your blood sugar to make sure it isn’t too high or is it too low, extremes that could be easily reached with the most minor indulgence or tiniest bout of laziness. A new treatment, as detailed in the New York Times, might change everything we know about managing type I diabetes. Zimislecel is an experi…
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