Sana Biotechnology and Mayo Clinic have partnered to accelerate the development of a potential single treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D). SC451 is Sana’s investigational therapy, built around a single administration of pancreatic islet cells aimed at delivering long-term glucose control, with the goal of eliminating both daily insulin and the need for immunosuppression. Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit committed to advancing innovation in clinical practice and research, brings deep expertise in diabetes care to the collaboration.

The two organizations are driving development across four key areas: providing clinical and operational insight to optimize workflows and post-treatment care; refining the surgical techniques used to administer SC451; standardizing handling, delivery, and post-treatment protocols; and leading clinical trial design, including identifying biomarkers for patient selection and long-term monitoring. Sana expects to file an investigational new drug application and initiate a Phase 1 study as early as 2026.

Supporting the promise of this approach, an investigator-sponsored clinical study of donor-derived HypoImmune Platform (HIP)-modified islet cells found that a T1D patient showed those cells surviving, functioning, and producing insulin for more than 14 months. While this result comes from a separate study rather than SC451 itself, it provides evidence for the underlying science.

Sana and Mayo Clinic are not alone in pushing the field forward. We highlighted many potential cures on the horizon for type one diabetes on our podcast, and with a patient who received an islet cell transplants performed without immunosuppression. For a deeper look at the cures and research we've covered, visit our Research page. Together, these developments reflect an exciting wave of progress in diabetes treatment.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.