The media hype around Vertex’s initial results is not without controversy. Those of us who’ve lived with this condition for years are naturally skeptical about any talk of a possible “cure” — since we’ve heard it so many times before.
Regarding Vertex, many in the Diabetes Community are pointing out on social media how immunosuppression drugs are still required at this time, which is a big drawback. Others note how the Vertex data here isn’t yet peer-reviewed and won’t even be published in a medical journal until after the second round of clinical trials end in 2028.
Others also pointed out the critical issue of affordability, noting that Vertex’s practices that are highly expensive and unaffordable for those who need them — along the lines of the cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi at a list price of $272,000 per year. For those who already struggle to afford healthcare or their insulin to survive, the idea of such a high-end “concierge” diabetes treatment only available to some is not appealing.
Nevertheless, the JDRF praised the research findings, noting their own support in this area of research dating back to Melton’s work in 2000.
“As early funders of beta cell replacement therapies, we are excited to see continual advancement around this area of research, which can ultimately lead to a cure for the type 1 diabetes community,” the JDRF said in a statement. “We look forward to additional results as the trial continues, and JDRF is committed to seeing beta cell replacement therapies in the hands of people with T1D and other insulin requiring diabetes.”
Melton, by the way, is now consulting with and owns stock at Vertex, so naturally he’s a big fan of this “foundational work.”
He says Vertex’s recent announcement led his family — particularly his two T1D children, Sam and Emma — to have tears in their eyes.
“The results from Vertex are significant and exciting from my perspective… The top line being that stem cell-derived islets work, and may be even better than expected,” Melton told DiabetesMine.
“For now, I accept it’s only one patient and only 90 days, but the results couldn’t be more promising in my opinion,” he added.
This content was originally published here.