Transplanted Insulin-Producing Cells Show Sustained Function After 14 Months Without Immunosuppression

Researchers at Uppsala University Hospital, in partnership with Sana Biotechnology, have reported encouraging early results from a first-in-human study of engineered pancreatic islet cell transplantation. The study transplanted modified insulin-producing cells (called UP421) into a patient with Type 1 diabetes—without the patient needing to take immunosuppressive medications, which are typically required after cell transplants.

The key innovation is the use of hypoimmune platform (HIP) technology, which engineers donor cells to be less likely to trigger immune rejection. This approach differs from traditional islet transplants, where recipients must take lifelong immune-suppressing drugs to prevent their immune system from attacking the transplanted cells.

At the 14-month follow-up, the transplanted beta cells remained functional and continued producing insulin. Researchers measured C-peptide, a biomarker that indicates the pancreas or transplanted cells are making their own insulin. C-peptide levels remained stable and comparable to measurements taken in the first six months after transplant.

When the patient consumed a meal during a mixed meal tolerance test, the transplanted cells released insulin appropriately in response—a sign of normal beta cell function. Between months 12 and 14, the patient also achieved better blood glucose control, and the improved insulin production at month 14 suggests that good glucose management may help the transplanted cells function optimally.

The study reported no safety concerns through the 14-month observation period.

These results represent an important proof-of-concept: engineered islet cells can survive and work in a Type 1 diabetes patient over more than a year without requiring immune suppression. If this approach proves durable and safe in larger studies, it could reduce a major burden of traditional islet transplant therapy—the need for lifelong immunosuppressive medications, which carry their own health risks.

However, this is a first-in-human study in a single patient. Much more research is needed to understand whether the results will hold up in other patients, how long the transplanted cells will continue functioning, and whether this approach could become a viable therapy option. Researchers will continue following this patient and likely begin testing the approach in additional study participants.

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.