Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 8:03 AM EDT
Diabetes Logo
Editorial Log: Article based on analysis of “Emerging Breakthroughs in Diabetes Treatment: A New Era of Hope,” published in Forbes on March 18, 2025. The focus is on key research initiatives and technological advancements highlighted in the article, including the role of harmine in beta cell regeneration and AI-driven insulin delivery systems. Data accuracy is ensured by referencing the primary source article and cross-referencing research studies cited within.
A New Era of Hope: Emerging Breakthroughs in Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes, a condition affecting over 537 million people globally, is seeing a surge of innovative research and technological advancements, bringing new hope for effective treatments and potential cures. Type 1 diabetes cases could reach 84 million by 2040, highlighting the urgent need for scalable and cost-effective solutions[1]. This article explores the promising breakthroughs outlined in a recent Forbes article, focusing on cell regeneration therapies and AI-driven insulin delivery systems.
Replenishing Beta Cells: Harmine’s Role in Cell Regeneration
Beta Cell Regeneration with Harmine
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are characterized by a decline in functional insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Conventional strategies like pancreas and pancreatic islet transplantation face challenges such as high costs, limited donor organs, and invasive procedures[1]. However, research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is exploring a drug-based approach to regenerate human beta cells.
In 2015, researchers identified harmine, a small molecule that promotes cell replication. Esra Karakose, an assistant professor, is investigating its mechanisms. Recent in vitro studies suggest that harmine may induce “fate conversion,” transforming alpha cells—another type of pancreatic cell—into beta-like cells that produce insulin[1]. This is significant because alpha cells are abundant in people with diabetes, potentially addressing the beta cell loss in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Harmine and GLP-1 Combination
A research team including Andrew Stewart and Peng Wang administered harmine alone or combined with a GLP-1 to mice that had received human pancreatic islet cells. The results were remarkable:
- Harmine alone enhanced the human beta cell mass by 300%.
- The combination with GLP-1 resulted in a 700% increase[1].
Karakose believes that the conversion from alpha to beta cells is a key factor in this effect. Further experiments using advanced single-cell sequencing techniques are planned to validate these results in human islet cells transplanted into mice[1]. Clinical trials involving harmine are underway, with potential synergistic effects of GLP-1s combined with harmine in future human trials[1].
Eliminating Immunosuppression: Sana Biotechnology’s Approach
Sana Biotechnology is pioneering an islet cell therapy for type 1 diabetes that eliminates the need for immunosuppression. Their innovative hypoimmune technology allows for the transplantation of engineered islet cells without provoking an immune response[1]. This marks the first successful case of allogeneic stem cell-derived islet cell transplantation in a fully-competent individual without immunosuppressive therapy.
“This individual is now producing their own insulin for the first time in years,” stated Steve Harr, President and CEO of Sana[1].
Traditionally, rejection of transplanted cells has been a significant hurdle, requiring immunosuppression. Sana’s method involves gene modifications to create cells that can evade both allogeneic and autoimmune recognition, potentially transforming diabetes treatment. The implications are substantial, potentially leading to one-time treatments that restore insulin production in patients without the complications of immunosuppression.
Sana’s approach uses cells sourced from a cadaver and engineered to avoid immune rejection. The next phase will transition to genetically modified pluripotent stem cells, offering a virtually limitless supply that can be scaled for commercial purposes[1].
Cell Therapy: Professor Kui Deng’s Groundbreaking Research
Visiting Bayer’s Co.Lab, the Forbes author met with Professor Kui Deng from Peking University, who has demonstrated that a patient’s own cells can be used for diabetes treatment. In their study, Professor Deng’s team successfully reprogrammed the cells of a 25-year-old patient into islet cells. Within two weeks post-transplant, the patient’s insulin requirements began to decrease, achieving complete insulin independence by day 75. At the one-year follow-up, the patient remained insulin-free and showed no transplant-related complications[1].
AI-Driven Insulin Delivery Systems
Technological advancements in diabetes management are also emerging through the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI). A new clinical trial at the University of Virginia aims to evaluate an AI-driven insulin delivery system that leverages reinforcement learning to enhance insulin delivery. This system, known as the Bionic Pancreas System with Reinforcement Learning (BPS-RL), represents a significant advancement[1].
Current automated insulin delivery systems require user input for dose adjustments, which can lead to errors, especially in vulnerable groups like children and young adults. The upgraded software aims to automate dosing based on history and detection[1]. By removing the need for user intervention, this technology promises improved blood sugar control, particularly during meals and overnight, enhancing the quality of life for those living with diabetes.
The new study will compare blood sugar control in 16 adults with and without the AI-enhanced system[1]. If successful, this AI-powered approach could be integrated into existing diabetes systems, offering an upgrade for hundreds of thousands of users.
“Living with Type 1 diabetes is a full-time job,” remarked Borui Wang, professor of computer science at the University of Virginia, who is involved in developing the new AI system. “Children will benefit the most. That motivates me to wake up early every morning, as the improvements can be tremendously impactful”[1].
Conclusion
The convergence of innovative research projects and technological advancements marks a pivotal moment in the fight against diabetes. From harmine’s potential in beta cell regeneration to Sana Biotechnology’s immunosuppression-free cell therapy and AI-driven insulin delivery systems, the future of diabetes treatment looks promising. As research progresses and clinical trials unfold, the aspiration for a world where diabetes is effectively managed, and ultimately cured, is becoming increasingly plausible.
Further Reading:
Keywords: Diabetes treatment, harmine, beta cell regeneration, AI-driven insulin delivery, Sana Biotechnology, cell therapy, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, artificial intelligence diabetes
Sources
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/juergeneckhardt/2025/03/18/emerging-breakthroughs-in-diabetes-treatment-a-new-era-of-hope/