Scientists bring «victory» over type 1 diabetes closer: VX-880 cell therapy restores insulin production
According to the results of a study published in peer-reviewed journals, patients with type 1 diabetes who received therapy VX-880, were able to restore the function of β-cells and significantly reduce or even completely eliminate the need for external insulin.
How the therapy works
VX-880 therapy was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. It is based on stem cells from which islet (insulin-producing) cells are created. They are then injected into the liver cavity (via the portal vein) of a patient with type 1 diabetes.
Patients also need immunosuppressive therapy to prevent the new cells from being rejected by the immune system.
Main results
The study involved 14 patients: 2 - in a partial dose, 12 - in a full dose.
All 12 patients who received the full dose had detectable levels of C-peptide (an indicator of insulin production) after treatment.
10 of 12 (≈ 83 %) patients did not require external insulin after 365 days.
All 12 patients achieved an HbA1c 70 %.
What it means
These results could be a breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. But it is important to understand:
The research is still small and short-lived;
We need to wait for long-term data on the survival of implanted cells and risks;
therapy involves immunosuppression, which has its own risks;
is not yet a solution for all patients, especially those with severe diabetes.
Next steps
Vertex plans an expanded clinical trial (Part C) and registration of the therapy in 2026-2027. Researchers are also working on versions that will not require immunosuppression.
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