A recent MED PAGE TODAY article contained good news for those living with type 1 diabetes. Apparently two diabetic patients experienced restored insulin production and glucose levels after receiving a stem-cell treatment. The infusion they received was a half target dose of an investigational treatment called VX-880.
The treatment was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and it was tested in clinical trials over a period of 270 days. By day 90, one patient saw a 91% decrease in daily exogenous insulin use, and tested in their target glucose range 63.2% of the time. By day 150, their time spent in target range had increased to 81.4%, and 99.9% by day 270. Though the results are promising, this is only the first of a three-part clinical trial. The FDA has placed the study on clinical hold while they discuss proper dosing. Vertex is working with the agency to determine how to safely navigate dose escalation.
