For those of you with type 1 diabetes whose beta cells went belly-up at least five years ago, Vertex Pharmaceuticals is conducting an investigational study that involves replacing non-functioning beta cells with stem-cell-derived beta cells. The study, called VX-264, consists of a therapy that puts cells that have been designed to produce insulin (and other beta cell hormones) into a device aimed at protecting those cells from the immune system so that no immunosuppressants would be required.
The investigational devices are implanted in the body under the skin. Researchers are studying the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of this therapy, and are looking to see if it could potentially reduce or eliminate the need for people with type 1 to take insulin. All participants in the study will receive the investigational therapy as well as other study-related costs.
Eligible participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 65 years old
- Have been living with type 1 for at least 5 years
- Have blood type A or AB
- NOT have had a previous islet cell transplant, an organ transplant, or cell therapy
- NOT have advanced complications associated with diabetes, including advanced diabetic retinopathy or eye disease, diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease, non-healing skin ulcers, or amputations attributable to diabetes
There are additional eligibility requirements that the study doctor will discuss with those interested.
This study is one of the many exciting things going on in the field of type 1 diabetes research, and it gives many people hope who are long past the diagnosis stage.
For more information or to apply, please click here.
Why the 65 age limit? Im in better shape an health than most 50 year olds.
I totally agree with you, since I am 68! It’s total BS! But it’s probably due to FDA guidelines. You can always falsify your driver’s license, just like you did before you were of drinking age!
I feel the same as John Upton. Diabetic 50 years, no complications. Would live to be off 4 injections a day
Have the acceptance criteria changed? I was rejected because my A1c was too low.
Hi Lauren,
The A1c criteria have not changed. Thank you for being up for trying, though! Perhaps there will be another study you can participate in down the road.
I became TD1 in 2022 at 70 after an autoimmune attack on my pancreas ( most likely due to my Pfizer booster). Now taking basal and bolus insulin 5-6 times a day. Would love to participate & stop these frequent injections. Prior to this diagnosis, healthy, active and in good weight range.
Please feel free to apply!
I would love to possibly be considered. I am 54 years old and was diagnosed in 1992.
Hi Tanya,
Please visit the study website to apply:
https://t1dstudy.com/
Good luck!