Significant progress has been made in treating type 1 diabetes using stem cells. A study published in June 2025 demonstrated that 83% of patients no longer needed insulin one year after starting treatment.
This therapy, developed by the American biotechnology company Vertex, uses stem cells to replicate the islets of Langerhans, which are responsible for insulin production in the pancreas. Preliminary results showed that 83% of treated patients did not require insulin a year after the injection.
However, challenges remain, including the need for immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells. Research is underway to develop therapies without immunosuppression, offering a more sustainable solution for patients. Furthermore, in April 2025, Vertex announced a licensing agreement and collaboration with TreeFrog Therapeutics to optimize the production of cell therapies against type 1 diabetes. This collaboration aims to improve the effectiveness and availability of stem cell-based treatments.
These advances offer new hope for the millions of people with type 1 diabetes, bringing the prospect of a more effective and potentially curative treatment closer.