Image from UW Medicine | Newsroom: New Clinical Trial Testing Drug to Protect Insulin-Producing Cells in Early Type 1 Diabetes

UW Medicine | Newsroom (via newsroom.uw.edu) / Source publication — credited and linked

Diagnosis & Early Detection/April 23, 2026/2 min read

New Clinical Trial Testing Drug to Protect Insulin-Producing Cells in Early Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers at UW Medicine are recruiting adults recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes to test an investigational drug called CNP-103 that may slow immune system attacks on the pancreas. The trial is evaluating whether the drug can help preserve the body's ability to produce insulin.

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

CNP-103 is designed to target immune cells that mistakenly attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
This is a placebo-controlled study, meaning some participants will receive the drug while others receive a saline infusion
The primary focus is evaluating safety and tolerability; researchers will also assess whether the drug helps preserve insulin production
The study is recruiting adults with recent type 1 diabetes diagnoses across 31 U.S. trial sites

What Happens in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Over time, this attack destroys more and more of these insulin-producing cells, gradually reducing the body's ability to make its own insulin. This is why many people with type 1 diabetes eventually need insulin injections or pump therapy.

How CNP-103 May Work

CNP-103, developed by COUR Pharmaceuticals, is designed to target the specific immune cells responsible for attacking the pancreas. By neutralizing these cells, the drug aims to protect remaining insulin-producing cells and potentially extend their function beyond what typically occurs without treatment.

According to Dr. Irl Hirsch, lead investigator at UW Medicine's trial site, this approach focuses on stopping the immune system's attack at its source rather than replacing insulin after it's already lost.

How the Trial Works

The study is a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, which means neither participants nor researchers know who receives CNP-103 and who receives a saline infusion (placebo). This design helps researchers objectively evaluate the drug's effects.

The primary goal is to assess whether CNP-103 is safe and well-tolerated. A secondary goal is to determine whether the drug helps the body preserve insulin production by slowing the immune attack on pancreatic cells.

UW Medicine's South Lake Union site is one of 31 U.S. locations recruiting adults with recent type 1 diabetes diagnoses for the trial.

Evidence label

Origin: UW Medicine | Newsroom (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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