"Groundbreaking FDA Approval: First-Ever Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes"

CellTrans, a small biotech company, has become the first to receive FDA approval for a cell therapy, known as Lantidra, for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Lantidra, administered via an infusion into the liver, aims to provide insulin independence for adults with type 1 diabetes who struggle to achieve target glucose levels. The therapy is made from pancreatic cells sourced from deceased donors and requires the use of immunosuppressive drugs. While some patients have experienced insulin independence for several years, there are risks associated with chronic immunosuppression. Other companies, such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly, are also developing cell therapies for type 1 diabetes.