EASD Update from Vertex
by IDS Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist, Kathryn Gentile Alvarez
At the recent European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) session hosted by Vertex, experts discussed the potential of cell therapies in transforming Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) management.
Notable speakers, including Stephanie Amiel and Jennifer Sherr, highlighted persistent challenges faced by individuals with T1D, such as severe hypoglycemia and unmet glycemic targets, despite advancements in tools like continuous glucose monitoring.
- Current Challenges: While tools have improved, many T1D patients still struggle with severe hypoglycemia and maintaining target glucose levels.
- Cadaveric Islet Transplants: Although they can restore insulin production, the lack of donor cells and the need for immunosuppression make them an impractical solution for widespread use.
- Stem Cell-Derived Islets: Ongoing clinical trials are exploring these options, focusing on achieving insulin production without immunosuppression.
Dr. Piotr Witkowski shared promising interim results from Sernova’s Cell Pouch trial, which demonstrated long-term islet function and safety over five years. All trial participants achieved insulin independence with the help of immune suppression.
Dr. Trevor Reichman provided updates on Vertex’s VX-880 stem cell-derived islet therapy, noting that participants showed improved insulin production, elimination of severe hypoglycemia, and excellent glucose control. The study has expanded to include 37 participants.
The overarching message was the commitment of Breakthrough T1D to further cell therapies as a path to potentially cure T1D, emphasizing the need for a regulatory pathway to facilitate these advancements.
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