How Stem Cells Can Help Treat Type 1 Diabetes

October 28, 2025

1 min read

Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals has developed an experimental drug called Zimislecel, which could potentially cure type 1 diabetes.

Key takeaways

Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals has developed an experimental drug called Zimislecel, which could potentially cure type 1 diabetes.
Last Hope
Impressive Results

Who this is for

People exploring Ornament blog through diabetes, stem cells.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Alina

Medical Columnist, Ornament

Last Hope

The study focused on people with the most severe form of type 1 diabetes, characterized by hypoglycemia unawareness. These patients don’t experience warning signs before a sharp drop in blood sugar, and typical symptoms that signal the need for glucose are absent. As a result, they face sudden loss of consciousness, seizures, and even death. Each participant received a single injection of stem cells, transformed into pancreatic islet cells. After injection, the cells settled in the liver and began functioning like the body’s own.

Islet cells regulate blood glucose levels.

Impressive Results

Just a few months after receiving the injection, participants began needing less insulin. After one year, 10 out of 12 people no longer needed insulin at all. The remaining two required significantly lower doses than before. Most patients stopped experiencing hypoglycemic episodes within the first 90 days of treatment.

A Bitter Pill

To prevent rejection of the new cells, all participants had to begin taking immunosuppressants. They will likely need to continue taking them for the rest of their lives to preserve the treatment’s effects. One negative side effect is that suppressing the immune system increases the risk of infections and, in the long term, cancer. That’s why this innovative therapy is currently considered justified only for those with the most severe forms of diabetes.

Looking Ahead

The clinical trials are ongoing. If results remain positive, Vertex Pharmaceuticals plans to file for FDA approval as early as next year.

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