Researchers at the International Society for Stem Cell Research annual meeting reported Monday that a stem cell-derived therapy restored insulin production in patients with type 1 diabetes. The findings drew significant attention from diabetes specialists.

The approach uses pluripotent stem cells engineered into insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells, which are then infused into patients. Several trial participants reduced or eliminated their reliance on external insulin during follow-up, though the treatment required immunosuppression to prevent rejection.

Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated 9 million people worldwide, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Current management depends on lifelong insulin injections or pumps.

Researchers cautioned that results came from small early-phase studies and larger, longer trials would be needed before regulatory review. Diabetes clinicians and patient advocacy groups, including JDRF-affiliated organisations, welcomed the data while urging caution about timelines.

Company-sponsored programmes from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and others have pursued similar cell-based strategies. Analysts said the ISSCR presentations could intensify competition in the regenerative medicine field.

The ISSCR meeting serves as a leading global forum for stem cell science and has become a key venue for announcing advances in cell therapies for conditions ranging from diabetes to Parkinson's disease. Researchers identified eliminating the need for immunosuppressive drugs as the next major challenge.