SOTA/Thematic
Islets and stem cells in diabetes therapy: Current status
Presenter
Eelco de Koning (NL)
Islet Transplantation and Stem Cell Therapies in Diabetes Click to watch
Can we move beyond insulin therapy toward durable cell-based cures for diabetes?
In this interview, Professor Eelco de Koning (Leiden University Medical Center) discusses the evolution of islet transplantation and the next wave of innovation in stem cell–derived islets and regenerative therapies.
Professor de Koning shares insights into how the field has progressed from early clinical programs to more advanced approaches, including the importance of dedicated islet isolation teams and the need to closely integrate research with clinical practice to improve outcomes.
The conversation also explores the future of the field — including advances in stem cell islet transplantation, the potential role of gene editing to reduce or eliminate long-term immunosuppression, and ongoing efforts within the global community, including IPITA, to drive progress and collaboration.
This interview is part of our featured speaker series leading up to the The Transplantation Society (TTS) 2026 International Congress in Sydney.
🔬 Topics discussed:
• Islet transplantation in diabetes
• Stem cell–derived islets
• Graft viability and clinical outcomes
• Gene editing and immunosuppression
• Translational research in cell therapy
In this interview, Professor Eelco de Koning (Leiden University Medical Center) discusses the evolution of islet transplantation and the next wave of innovation in stem cell–derived islets and regenerative therapies.
Professor de Koning shares insights into how the field has progressed from early clinical programs to more advanced approaches, including the importance of dedicated islet isolation teams and the need to closely integrate research with clinical practice to improve outcomes.
The conversation also explores the future of the field — including advances in stem cell islet transplantation, the potential role of gene editing to reduce or eliminate long-term immunosuppression, and ongoing efforts within the global community, including IPITA, to drive progress and collaboration.
This interview is part of our featured speaker series leading up to the The Transplantation Society (TTS) 2026 International Congress in Sydney.
🔬 Topics discussed:
• Islet transplantation in diabetes
• Stem cell–derived islets
• Graft viability and clinical outcomes
• Gene editing and immunosuppression
• Translational research in cell therapy