Could transplanted islets free diabetics from insulin?

NCT ID NCT01909245

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether transplanting insulin-producing islet cells from donors into the liver can help people with type 1 diabetes control blood sugar without insulin shots. Ten participants receive strong anti-rejection drugs to protect the new cells. Researchers will track blood sugar, insulin use, and quality of life for five years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Allogenic human islet cells, anti-thymocyte globulin, alemtuzumab, and gastrin 17

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help people with type 1 diabetes achieve better blood sugar control without needing insulin injections, though lifelong anti-rejection drugs are still required.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The anti-rejection drugs have serious side effects, including increased infection risk.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hypoglycemia type 1 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • City of Hope Medical Center

    Duarte, California, 91010, United States