Type 1 Diabetes is a growing epidemic. 5 million people in the U.S are expected to have T1D by 2050. Each year, more than $16 billion is spent on associated healthcare costs and lost income. And although there is nothing anyone can do to prevent it, and there is no known cure, advancements are being made every day in research labs across the globe to stop this disease and help improve the lives of those living with it. The following is the very latest research being done around the world.
Researchers are using cells derived from embryonic stem cells to help people with T1D gain better control of their blood sugars. Patients in ViaCyte’s VC-02 trial were implanted with stem cells, which grow into insulin-producing cells within the body. Although the cells didn’t enable full insulin independence, the stem-cell-derived islets may replace external insulin therapy for patients with T1D. To read more, click here.
The Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System, by Insulet, is a tubeless closed-loop system that helps patients as young as 2 years old manage blood sugars. For more information, click here.
Inhaled insulin is proving to be a safe and effective alternative to subcutaneous insulin for T1D patients. This therapy is already approved for people with T2D. Click here to read more.
Weekly injections of the glucagon receptor antagonist volagidemab may improve glycemic control in people with T1D. For more on this phase 2 study, click here.
Scientists have completed the largest and most diverse genetic study of T1D ever undertaken, identifying possible new drug targets. Drugs targeting 12 genes identified in the diabetes study have been tested or are being tested in clinical trials for autoimmune diseases. That could accelerate the drugs' repurposing for treating or preventing T1D. For more information click here.
The FDA gave a new drug by Vertex a fast track designation. VX-880 uses stem cell-derived beta cells to restore the body’s ability to produce insulin, in combination with immunosuppressive therapy to protect the cells from rejection. To read more about the phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, click here.
