Abu Dhabi researchers aim to find cure for Type 1 diabetes by 2027

Abu Dhabi researchers are hopeful for a breakthrough in treatment for Type 1 diabetes within two years using a method of regenerating the pancreas with engineered cells.

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, a subsidiary of ADQ-controlled Pure Health, is collaborating with Kyoto University and research company Rege Nephro on the research, which is being showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, The National reports.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas stops producing insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels.

There is currently no cure, and treatment usually relies on lifelong monitoring and daily insulin injections. It is hoped that regenerating the pancreas could provide long-term relief.

In separate research, ADSCC revealed in January it had successfully used umbilical cord-derived cells to treat a 20-year-old Emirati patient with Type 1 diabetes.