Pioneering Islet Cell Transplant with Lantidra Achieved at UI Health

In a groundbreaking medical milestone, doctors at UI Health successfully performed the first-ever islet cell transplant using Lantidra, the only FDA-approved therapy for treating brittle type 1 diabetes. The procedure was carried out on August 26, 2025, on a 69-year-old man from Illinois, marking a significant advancement in diabetes treatment. Following the transplant, the patient was able to cease daily insulin injections, demonstrating the potential of this innovative therapy.

Lantidra became available exclusively at UI Health in November 2024. This treatment involves infusing derived islet cells from a deceased donor pancreas into the patient's liver, where they produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is designed specifically for adults with type 1 diabetes who experience severe hypoglycemia episodes, low blood sugar unawareness, or difficulties maintaining stable glucose levels. The therapy requires a donor match facilitated by the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, necessitating lifelong management through insulin therapy. Despite insulin use, patients remain at risk for serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage. The cause of the disease remains unknown.

Dr. Enrico Benedetti, head of surgery at UI Health, emphasized the significance of this development: "This is the first time in the United States that an islet transplant is no longer experimental but an FDA-approved medical procedure." He highlighted that, unlike traditional pancreas transplants which carry significant surgical risks, Lantidra offers a less invasive alternative with a quick recovery time—patients can usually go home within 24 hours.

The recipient, Edward "Ed" Augustin III, shared that the procedure was "life-changing." Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5, Augustin experienced severe episodes of hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia unawareness that nearly led to life-threatening situations. He previously underwent two islet transplants in 2011, which allowed him to live without insulin for 12 years before relapsing in 2023. This recent transplant has restored his health, allowing him to live without insulin for the first time in over a decade.

Dr. Lorenzo Gallon from UI Health noted that pancreatic islet cell therapy not only addresses hypoglycemic unawareness but may also prevent diabetes-related kidney damage if used early. According to the NIH, over 1.4 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, with about 80,000 classified as having the more severe brittle form.

UI Health collaborates with insurance providers to ensure coverage for Lantidra. The therapy was developed through research by Dr. José Oberholzer at the University of Illinois Chicago, supported by clinical trials conducted at UI Health. The data was licensed to CellTrans Inc., founded by Oberholzer, to facilitate FDA approval.

This advancement signifies a transformative step in diabetes care, offering renewed hope to those living with this lifelong condition.