Cure & Advancements/March 16, 2026/2 min read

Small Islet Transplant Study Shows Promise for Insulin Independence in Type 1 Diabetes

A 12-patient trial at the University of Chicago tested a new immunosuppression approach alongside islet transplantation. Most participants achieved insulin independence and improved blood sugar control.

News report — unverified, pending corroboration

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

Ten of twelve participants who were more than four weeks post-transplant achieved insulin independence with blood sugar levels below 6.0% HbA1c
The study used tegoprubart, an anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody, paired with a calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression regimen
Participants had long-standing Type 1 diabetes (median 33 years) before transplant, with average baseline HbA1c of 8.0%
This is an early-stage pilot study in a small group; larger trials are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness

What This Study Tested

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Institute enrolled 12 adults with Type 1 diabetes to receive donor islet cells (insulin-producing cells from the pancreas). The participants also received a new immunosuppression approach to help their bodies accept the transplanted cells without rejecting them.

The immunosuppression regimen included tegoprubart, a drug made by Eledon Pharmaceuticals that works by targeting CD40L, a protein involved in immune rejection. The approach was designed to avoid calcineurin inhibitors, a class of immunosuppressants associated with kidney and other side effects.

Key Results

Among the ten participants who had been post-transplant for more than four weeks at the time of this data update, all achieved insulin independence—meaning they no longer needed insulin injections or pumps. Their most recent blood sugar control, measured by HbA1c, was below 6.0%, with an average of approximately 5.5%.

These results represent rapid and substantial improvement from their baseline. Before transplant, participants had a mean HbA1c of 8.0% and had lived with Type 1 diabetes for a median of 33 years. The study cohort was fully enrolled with an average of approximately 8 months since transplant at the time of the update.

What This Means—And What Remains Unknown

Islet transplantation is not a cure, but it can dramatically reduce or eliminate the need for insulin therapy in people with Type 1 diabetes. This small pilot study suggests that tegoprubart may support successful transplantation and stable graft function. However, a 12-patient study is too small to draw firm conclusions about safety or long-term effectiveness.

Larger, controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings, understand who might benefit most, and identify any long-term risks. Islet transplantation requires ongoing immunosuppression to prevent rejection, which carries its own health considerations. Anyone considering transplant should discuss the benefits, risks, and lifestyle requirements with their transplant team.

Evidence label

Origin: finance.yahoo.com (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.

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.

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