Sana Biotechnology, a company focused on changing the possible for patients through engineered cells, today announced six-month follow-up results from an investigator-sponsored, first-in-human study transplanting UP421, an allogeneic primary islet cell therapy engineered with Sana’s hypoimmune (HIP) technology, into a patient with type 1 diabetes without any immunosuppression. The study is being conducted in partnership with Uppsala University Hospital. The results are consistent with and build upon the previously reported four-week and 12-week clinical results. Results of the study at six months after cell transplantation demonstrate the survival and function of pancreatic beta cells as measured by the presence of circulating C-peptide, a biomarker indicating that transplanted beta cells are producing insulin. C-peptide levels also increase with a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT), consistent with insulin secretion in response to a meal. 12-week PET-MRI scanning also demonstrated islet cells at the transplant site, in the forearm muscle. The study identified no safety issues, and the HIP-modified islet cells evaded immune responses.
Innovation Ventures congratulates Dr. Sonja Schrepfer for her success.