Diabetes Cell Therapy Partnership Has Been Announced
A new clinical trial will test an immune-protected cell replacement therapy for adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Diabetes
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Encellin has partnered with Breakthrough T1D to advance a cell replacement therapy that aims to function without the need for systemic immunosuppression. The project is supported by a $2.5 million grant and will move into a new clinical study.
Why it matters
This research aims to change how Type 1 diabetes is treated by eliminating the requirement for systemic immune-suppressing drugs. It represents a shift toward cell-based therapies that could improve long-term disease management.
A prior Phase 1 study, NCT06408311, demonstrated that ENC-201 implants achieved successful non-fibrotic tissue integration and vascularization. The effectiveness of the new ENCRT-103-hPI implant in humans remains to be determined in upcoming clinical trials.
The players
Encellin
A biotechnology company focused on developing encapsulated cell replacement therapies for patients with chronic diseases.
Breakthrough T1D
A global nonprofit organization dedicated to funding Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy for improved treatments.
The details
The ENCRT-103-hPI implant uses a specialized membrane designed to act as a barrier that excludes immune cells while allowing donor islets to survive. By protecting these islets from the recipient's immune system, the technology seeks to enable insulin production without the patient needing to take systemic immunosuppressant medication. The upcoming study, NCT07680673, will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and the local vascular response to the implant in human participants.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The partnership and funding award were formally announced.
24 months: The duration of the grant support provided by Breakthrough T1D.
Health Landscape
This collaboration is part of the Industry Discovery and Development Partnership program aimed at accelerating innovative research. It follows the broader scientific trend of moving away from systemic immunosuppression toward localized, immune-protected delivery systems for cell therapies.
This research is currently in the experimental stage and is not yet a clinical treatment option for patients. Individuals interested in future clinical trial developments should keep an eye on official registry updates and discuss emerging research with their endocrinologist.
The takeaway
This partnership seeks to overcome a major hurdle in islet transplantation by protecting cells without the need for systemic drugs. Patients should follow the progress of upcoming clinical trials like NCT07680673 as researchers evaluate the safety of these new implant designs.
Further reading
For more on the current research landscape for managing this condition, see our guide to Diabetes.
Live Poll
Should private organizations prioritize funding new clinical research for chronic disease cures?
