People with type 1 diabetes lack functional islet cells in their pancreas to produce the hormone insulin and must take daily insulin via injections or a continuous pump to compensate.
But if new research pans out, some folks with type 1 diabetes may no longer need to take insulin. The study of six people with type 1 diabetes found that an investigational off-the-shelf form of islet stem cell therapy improves blood sugar control and slashes insulin needs, with three people no longer needing any daily insulin.
Given via an infusion, VX-880 are stem cell-derived, insulin-producing islet cells that essentially replace the dysfunctional islet cells in people with type 1 diabetes. The study was funded by VX-880 maker Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
