Breakthrough Gene Therapy Reverses Type 1 Diabetes in Clinical Trial

A groundbreaking gene therapy developed jointly by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi and the Mayo Clinic has shown remarkable results in reversing Type 1 diabetes, potentially offering a cure for millions worldwide.

The Phase II clinical trial, involving 120 patients across India and the United States, demonstrated that the therapy successfully restored insulin production in 78% of participants. Most patients were able to discontinue insulin injections within six months of treatment.

"These results exceed our most optimistic projections," said Dr. Randeep Guleria, who led the Indian arm of the trial. "We are looking at a potential paradigm shift in how we treat autoimmune diabetes."

The therapy works by using modified viral vectors to deliver functional genes to pancreatic beta cells, effectively reprogramming the immune system to stop attacking insulin-producing cells. Side effects were reported as mild and manageable.

Regulatory authorities in both countries have granted the therapy fast-track designation, and Phase III trials are expected to begin by September 2026.