On August 6, 2025, researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden reported that gene-edited islet cells have survived for 12 weeks in a man with long-standing type 1 diabetes without any immunosuppression therapy.
This was the first in-human clinical trial using “hypoimmune” cells, testing their ability to avoid being attacked and rejected by the body’s immune system.
The hypoimmune cells were engineered using cells from a deceased donor, then edited with CRISPR technology. The recipient only received 7 percent of the full replacement dose, and therefore, continued daily insulin therapy to manage blood glucose levels.
On January 6, 2026, an implantable device from Encellin Biotechnology containing islet cells — which produce insulin — passed its first test in human trials.
The device was surgically implanted in 5 participants with type 1 diabetes. After 4 months, new blood vessels had successfully grown around the device, supplying it with blood and oxygen. There was minimal scar tissue, and the encapsulated human islet cells were still alive.
This is a Phase 1 safety trial, focused primarily on the safety of the device and how the body responds to it. The results mark the first time an implantable device has successfully avoided scar tissue and protected encapsulated beta cells.
Here’s the full report: https://bit.ly/3J2nuDX
Ginger Vieira has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1999 along with a few other chronic illnesses! She is the Cofounder of the Diabetes Nerd Network and the Diabetes Nerd Marketing agency. Ginger has authored hundreds of articles and several books, including Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes, Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes, Dealing with Diabetes Burnout, and Stop Overeating During Lows. Over her 20-year career (so far) in diabetes, she’s produced hundreds of articles and videos about life with diabetes. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in professional writing and certifications in coaching, personal training, powerlifting, and Ashtanga yoga.