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The Case for a Type 1 Diabetes Cure

The Case for a Type 1 Diabetes Cure

While many are skeptical there will ever be a cure, the amount of research and innovation in the works suggest otherwise

Justin Eastzer
February 28, 2025

How many times have you heard it? A cure for type 1 diabetes is just five to ten years away. Yet, here we are, still waiting sometimes decades after first hearing it. Understandably, many have become jaded, wondering if there's too much money in diabetes care for a cure to ever emerge. One forecast estimates that the global economic impact of type 1 diabetes will reach over 24 billion dollars by 2031*. But despite the staggering economic implications, a recent conversation I had with author, speaker, and diabetes expert Ginger Vieira has given me more hope than ever.

What makes a cure so complicated

We’ve cured type 1 diabetes in mice countless times, so why can’t we cure it in humans? Well there’s one small problem; a mouse’s endocrine system is far simpler than ours. Creating insulin-producing cells is one thing—protecting them from the immune system is another. Companies like Vertex, SANA Biotechnology, Sernova and others are working on solutions, but are still in the early stages.

Over the years, some companies have already demonstrated insulin independence in human participants, bringing us closer to the end goal, but most require immunosuppressants. Researchers and biotech firms are exploring multiple approaches, from cell therapies to immune system retraining.

The problem with immunosuppression

While some current therapies below require immunosuppressants, the trade-off isn’t ideal and quality of life needs to be considered. A weakened immune system means even a cold could become life-threatening. That’s why so many companies are racing to find ways around it.

The various paths to a cure

Each company is taking a unique approach to developing a cure. Here’s a breakdown of key players and their progress:

Vertex: Its VX-880 trial has shown that participants receiving stem cell-derived islets along with immunosuppressants have experienced significant reductions in insulin dependency, with some achieving near-complete insulin independence. Its next-generation trial, VX-264, seeks to encapsulate these cells in a protective device to eliminate the need for immunosuppression, which can compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections and other diseases.
Results for VX-264 are still pending but hold great promise. Additionally, Vertex is investing heavily in the future of stem cell therapy by building a dedicated manufacturing plant for stem cell production. This facility will be key to scaling up cell production, ensuring that once a viable therapy is approved, it can be widely available to consumers without long delays.

Sana Biotechnology: Sana’s hypoimmune cell therapy is designed to evade the immune system entirely, eliminating the need for immunosuppressants. One participant in its early-stage trials was able to produce insulin for 28 days without immune suppression—an unprecedented milestone that suggests this approach could be a game-changer.

Sernova: Its “cell pouch” implant is designed to house insulin-producing cells within a small, biocompatible device implanted in the abdomen. Early trials have shown that patients experience reduced insulin needs, though they still require immunosuppression. Future versions of the pouch aim to include immune protection to eliminate the need for lifelong medication. Sernova recently joined us on the podcast to discuss its progress—tune into the episode here!
Sab Bio: Sab Bio is focusing on regenerative medicine approaches to restore insulin production by harnessing stem cells. While its research is still in early-stage trials, its focus on cell regeneration without transplantation could create a unique path forward for diabetes treatment.
Chinese Clinical Trial: A research team in China recently made headlines by reportedly achieving insulin independence in a type 1 diabetes patient using stem cell therapy. The patient, a 25-year-old woman, received an experimental treatment in which her own stem cells were reprogrammed and implanted back into her body to restore insulin production. While this approach led to insulin independence, it is not currently scalable, as it requires personalized cell manufacturing for each patient.

Lantidra: Lantidra is the first FDA-approved islet cell transplant therapy. Some participants in clinical trials have been able to achieve long-term insulin independence. However, the therapy still requires lifelong immunosuppressants, making it a better fit for select patients rather than a universal cure.

How you can get involved

If you want to support the search for a cure, here’s how you can help:

Participate in Clinical Trials: Many of these treatments rely on volunteers. Check out trial registries like clinicaltrials.gov to see if you qualify. You can also join the T1D Exchange Registry to gain access to different trial opportunities – some of which offer compensation. Sign up here with my affiliate link!
Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Breakthrough T1D and Beyond Type 1 help fund research and push for policy changes.
Stay Informed: Follow the latest research and biotech developments to understand how the landscape is evolving.

When will we see a cure?

Clinical trials take time. The FDA requires careful testing, and companies can’t rush results. Even when a cure becomes available, the rollout will be slow. But the good news is that with promising breakthroughs like SANA’s hypoimmune cells and Vertex’s evolving research, we’re definitely getting closer. A functional cure—one that doesn’t heal the immune system but eliminates the daily burden of diabetes management—may be within reach.

Stay hopeful. Science is moving faster than ever, and the future of diabetes care is changing before our eyes.

Stay tuned for updates on the future of a cure and the latest in diabetes tech by following along on my Tik Tok, Instagram, Youtube and podcast.

Want to help advance diabetes care and get paid for it?

The T1D Exchange Registry surveys participants for data on disease management, CGM data, and self-reported outcomes. (source: T1D Exchange Registry)

Head to the T1D Exchange Registry, where a quick 15-minute survey is all it takes to make an impact. By signing up, you’ll gain access to a personal portal with future survey and clinical trial opportunities—some of which offer compensation.