In a medical breakthrough that could be a game-changer, scientists are set to begin clinical trials this year on a new treatment described as a 'potential cure' for type 1 diabetes, opening the door to the possibility of eliminating daily insulin injections. The new treatment, known as KRIYA-839, works by using an innovative technique that aims to enable the body to produce its own insulin, potentially for a lifetime, through a single injection. This approach is radically different from traditional methods, as it doesn't rely on replacing insulin from an external source but instead converts the body's own muscle cells into 'factories' for producing it. The technology involves introducing genetic instructions into muscle cells, allowing them to produce insulin and other proteins that regulate blood sugar levels continuously. Researchers have confirmed that the treatment is not a direct genetic modification and does not alter the patient's DNA, while it works in a relatively safe way by directing cells to perform a new function. The full effect of the treatment is expected to begin within two to three months after the injection. Following promising results in animal trials—where the treatment's effects lasted for up to four years—the treatment will be tested on humans for the first time in a study to be presented at the International Conference on Advanced Technologies and Therapies for Diabetes. The trial will include adults who struggle to control their blood sugar levels, patients using smart insulin pump systems, and close monitoring of insulin production and its effect on glucose stability. Participants will receive injections in their thighs during a single session lasting no more than an hour. Meanwhile, the UK's National Advisor for Diabetes, Dr. Bartha Kar, described the treatment as 'very exciting,' suggesting it could be considered a 'functional cure' if proven successful. He added that even achieving 75% of the body's insulin needs could make a huge difference in patients' lives by reducing their dependence on injections or medical devices. On the other hand, the head of the endocrinology department at the University of Ljubljana, Tadej Paterlino, cautioned against using the term 'cure,' emphasizing that the results are still under study despite the treatment's great potential. The first phase of the trials is expected to last a year, after which it will be expanded to include larger groups of patients, including those who rely on daily injections. Experts believe that the success of this treatment could mark a turning point in managing the disease, shifting it from a chronic condition requiring daily monitoring to one that can be controlled with a single, long-term intervention.
