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Type 1 diabetes mellitus involves loss of insulin production due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic islet cells. In the lab, researchers can coax embryonic stem cells to develop into functional islet cells. If these islet cells can be transplanted successfully and safely into people, it would represent a breakthrough for diabetes treatment.
Researchers now report phase 1–2 results from an ongoing, industry-sponsored study of the safety and efficacy of stem cell–derived islet cells (zimislecel) for type 1 diabetes. Zimislecel is a single infusion administered via the portal vein along with a transplant-based immunosuppression protocol. Of the 22 patients who received zimislecel, 14 (mean age, 44) completed at least 12 months of follow-up…