Zimislecel
Vertex
Stem cell-derived islets
10 of 12 patients were insulin-free at one year, with immunosuppression. Dosing paused for a manufacturing review.
No filing date
Autoimmune · pancreas
Type 1 Diabetes
The immune system destroys insulin-making cells. Cell therapies have freed patients from insulin in trials, but still need immunosuppression or are in very small studies.
- Cure
- None yet
- Current treatment
- Lifelong insulin
- Who has it
- About 9 million people worldwide
- Updated
4candidates on the board
Phase 3furthest phase
3updates in 2026
What changed
The latest developments, newest first.
ProgressEdited cells last 14 months without immunosuppression
Sana's single-patient result, published in NEJM. Just one case, but it is what the field is chasing.
Progress12 of 12 insulin-free in a pilot
Islet transplant using tegoprubart instead of tacrolimus, at the University of Chicago.
StoppedVertex pauses zimislecel dosing
Paused for a manufacturing analysis. No filing date.
Treatments in development
Each column is a step on the road to the pharmacy. Colors show the type of treatment.
- Cell, gene or RNA therapy (3)
- Vaccine, device or other (1)
Phase 3confirmation · 1
Phase 1safety · 1
UP421
Sana Biotechnology
Edited islets, no immunosuppression
One patient: cells still making insulin at 14 months with no anti-rejection drugs.
Data: Jul 2026
Lab / pilotearly research · 2
Ilhotas + tegoprubart
UChicago · Eledon
Transplant with a new antibody
Pilot: all 12 participants off external insulin, with short follow-up.
Data: Jun 2026
AIDANET
Estudo acadêmico
Artificial pancreas, no carb counting
Algorithm delivers all insulin, meals included. 34 participants.
Early study
Left behind
Candidates that looked promising and were stopped. Most treatments tested never reach the market.
VX-264
2025 · Vertex's encapsulated cells; did not make enough insulin.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cure for Type 1 Diabetes?
None yet. Current treatment: Lifelong insulin.
Which Type 1 Diabetes treatments are being tested?
Fasevia tracks 4 candidates: Zimislecel (Phase 3); UP421 (Phase 1); Ilhotas + tegoprubart (Lab / pilot); AIDANET (Lab / pilot).
What is the most advanced Type 1 Diabetes treatment in development?
The furthest along today is Zimislecel (Vertex), in phase 3. 10 of 12 patients were insulin-free at one year, with immunosuppression. Dosing paused for a manufacturing review.
When could a new Type 1 Diabetes treatment arrive?
A drug has to complete phase 3 and be reviewed by health agencies such as the FDA or EMA, which usually takes several years. The leading candidate today is in phase 3.