Century Therapeutics Raises $135 Million to Advance Experimental Stem Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

CNTY-813 is an experimental cell therapy based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—cells reprogrammed in the laboratory to behave like beta cells, which normally produce insulin in the pancreas. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks these beta cells, leaving the body unable to regulate blood sugar. The goal of CNTY-813 is to replace the lost cells and restore insulin production.

Century Therapeutics plans to submit an IND application to the FDA in 2026, a key regulatory milestone that allows the company to begin testing the therapy in human patients. Initial clinical data from early-stage trials is expected in 2027. The $135 million raised is projected to fund operations through the first quarter of 2029, covering the costs of manufacturing, regulatory submissions, and initial human studies.

The financing round was led by new investor TCGX and included participation from established venture capital firms and specialized biotech investors. Notable participants include RA Capital Management, Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners, and the T1D Fund—an investment vehicle focused specifically on Type 1 diabetes therapies. The oversubscribed nature of the round (meaning more capital was offered than requested) suggests strong confidence in the company's approach and the broader potential of stem cell therapies for autoimmune disease.

Cell therapy approaches like CNTY-813 represent a fundamentally different strategy than current treatments, which focus on managing blood sugar rather than addressing the underlying loss of beta cells. While the therapy is still in early development and many questions remain about safety, effectiveness, and long-term durability, the influx of investment and the planned 2026–2027 timelines indicate that human testing is moving closer. It remains important to note that experimental therapies often face unexpected challenges during clinical trials, and evidence from early human studies will be essential to understanding whether this approach delivers on its promise.

Origin: GlobeNewswire News Room (News report). Evidence: News report — unverified, pending corroboration. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.