On World Diabetes Day, IDF Europe Board Member, Dr. Sufyan Hussain, and IDF Europe Project Coordinator, Cameron Keighron, attended the Breakthrough T1D event in Brussels on “Advancing Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes: Overcoming Barriers to Developing Clinical Trials in Europe”.
During the event, experts, including diabetes advocates, scientists and regulators gathered to discuss how innovative cell therapies, such as beta cell replacements, could transform diabetes management and improve quality of life for those living with the condition. These therapies offer the possibility of restoring insulin production, which could significantly reduce the daily burden of managing blood glucose levels.
Following the event, Cameron Keighron commented: “It was exciting and encouraging to hear about some of the work being completed in making advanced cellular therapies a reality for people living with diabetes and to see the collaborative efforts being made to overcome barriers to clinical trials in Europe, including complex regulations. There was a real commitment in the room to place lived experience at the center of where this work goes in the future, along with an understanding that we must find ways to communicate it in lay terms to the wider community and public. As someone managing the daily challenges of diabetes, I left feeling optimistic about the progress and excited for a future where these therapies might become a reality.”