The research team, led by Deng Hongkui at Peking University, used a modified method to create chemically induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from the patient’s own cells. These were then transformed into 3D islet clusters and transplanted into the patient’s abdominal muscles. The patient has maintained insulin independence for over a year, with stable blood glucose levels.
This study follows a similar success reported in April, where a 59-year-old man with type 2 diabetes received insulin-producing islets derived from his own reprogrammed stem cells, transplanted into his liver.
These advancements are significant in addressing the global diabetes epidemic, which affects nearly half a billion people. While islet transplants have been used to treat diabetes, the scarcity of donors and the need for immunosuppression have limited their application. Stem cell-derived treatments could potentially provide an unlimited supply of pancreatic tissue without requiring immunosuppressants.
While the results are promising, experts caution that larger trials are needed to confirm the treatment’s efficacy and longevity. Other ongoing trials are exploring different approaches, including using donor stem cells and developing methods to protect transplanted cells from immune system attacks.
