A ground-breaking new therapy could free millions from insulin injections. Researchers infused lab-grown pancreatic islet cells—created from human stem cells—directly into patients with type 1 diabetes. In a trial of 14 adults, 10 out of 12 fully insulin-dependent participants were able to stop needing supplemental insulin just one year after treatment.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys its own insulin-producing cells. Until now, patients have relied on daily injections or pumps to manage blood sugar. Previous therapies using donated pancreatic cells are limited by organ shortages and often require multiple transplants .

This new approach, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, uses hundreds of millions of stem cell–derived islets infused into the liver, where they begin producing insulin in response to blood sugar levels. While two participants still needed some insulin, most became fully independent. Success came with side effects related to immunosuppressive drugs, and a couple of unrelated serious adverse events, but the therapy was generally well tolerated.

Vertex has already expanded its trial to 50 patients and aims for regulatory approval by 2026. Though long-term immunosuppression remains an obstacle, this represents a monumental step toward restoring natural insulin production and reducing the burden of diabetes management for millions. That’s what’s right with the world.