We are two days into the first ever Breakthrough T1D Clinical & Research Congress! Day 1 was full of optimism and excitement about the meeting—it’s really ALL type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is unique—and the future of treatments and therapies for this community.
Breakthrough T1D’s Clinical & Research Congress
The inaugural Breakthrough T1D Clinical & Research Congress (CRC 2026) is a groundbreaking forum uniting clinicians, researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and the T1D community. Attendees will explore cutting-edge advances in T1D science, clinical care, and more. Designed to foster collaboration and spark innovation, CRC 2026 will provide translational insights, interactive learning, and meaningful dialogue, all with one shared goal: improving lives and driving toward a world without T1D.
Peter Senior, MBBS, Ph.D. (University of Alberta), a longtime Breakthrough T1D-funded collaborator, spoke at the beginning of the first session and his comments really set the tone for the day.
“People want to not have diabetes anymore. I think we need to keep that in mind as we move towards solutions.” – Dr. Peter Senior
CRC is 100% Focused on the Lived Experience
A guiding principle of this meeting is that it is centered around the lived experience of people with the disease. To drive this home, all of the parallel sessions were introduced by community members, sharing a story about their lives with T1D.
One video focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform diabetes technology—fewer calculations means less daily burden.
That’s our whole goal: people doing better. And CRC was filled with nearly 1,000 people—all of whom are working toward that shared goal.
With that in mind, let’s hear about the solutions, innovations, and cutting-edge work shared on day 2! As a reminder, every session is not included here—and we encourage you to attend next year to get the full CRC experience!
Unmet Needs: Where We Are and What’s Still Needed for People with T1D
The day kicked off with a symposium sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals that explored the unmet needs and emerging treatments in T1D. Vertex is developing a manufactured islet cell therapy for T1D, which is currently in a phase 1/2/3 clinical trial. Jennifer Sherr, M.D., Ph.D. (Yale School of Medicine) and Dr. Peter Senior shared a wealth of data showing that outcomes have been improving for people with T1D year by year with new technology, primarily automated insulin delivery (AID)—but people still aren’t doing well enough. Even with the best technology, a study showed that a significant percentage of people still aren’t achieving ideal glycemic control, and some are still experiencing severe hypoglycemic events.
In summation: technology has absolutely improved care, but there are still unmet needs to be addressed.
Keynote Lecture: Building Bridges Between Research, Clinical Care, and the Lived Experience in T1D
Michael Haller, M.D. (University of Florida) gave a broad overview of how the T1D screening and care paradigm has evolved—and what the future looks like. There are three key “bridges” we need to finish building: screening as clinical care, therapy options for every age and every stage, and clinical trials built around the lived T1D experience.
Key takeaways:
- We have years of data on how to screen, the populations to prioritize, the methods that yield the highest successful screenings, and the benefits.
- The priority today is scaling up: building the infrastructure to screen more people thoughtfully while keeping the experiences of the screened families front and center.
- The paradigm has already shifted; it was managing the disease, and now it’s modifying the disease.
- People with T1D need to be at the center of clinical trial design, and encouraging participation is key to catalyzing more therapy options for all.
Islet Cell Therapies
Protecting Transplanted Islets
The first islet cell therapy session of the day, chaired by Valeria Sordi, Ph.D. (IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele), focused on how we can take manufactured islets and keep them safe from the immune system post-transplant without the need for immunosuppression. Islet cell therapy is a promising treatment for T1D but there are major barriers—one of which is the requirement for immunosuppression. This session tackled tactics for removing that barrier.
Juan Alvarez-Dominguez, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania) presented how he and his team developed a method to watch the cells mature by placing electrodes inside the lab-grown islets. They have learned that the cells mature very quickly—like a switch being flipped on—versus gradually.
Audrey Parent, Ph.D. (University of California, San Francisco) and Sonja Schrepfer, M.D., Ph.D. (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) both tackled gene editing using different approaches. Dr. Parent focused on modifying existing cells to protect them from the autoimmune response while Dr. Schrepfer’s work was centered on making the transplanted cells immune-evasive. These two tactics can potentially be used together in a complementary manner.
Zimislecel: Meaningful Benefits for Participants
Michael Rickels, M.D. (University of Pennsylvania) gave an update on the clinical trial for Vertex’s manufactured islet cell therapy zimislecel. All 12 participants have improved blood-sugar levels and no severe hypoglycemic events, and 10 of 12 people are off external insulin. Participants report significantly less diabetes distress and fear of hypoglycemia, demonstrating that islet cell therapies like this have a real impact on the day-to-day experiences of living with T1D.
Islet Cell Therapies Highlight: Breakthrough T1D Centers of Excellence (CoE)
- This session was chaired by Esther Latres, Ph.D. (Senior Vice President of Research at Breakthrough T1D).
- The Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in Northern California: Qizhi Tang, Ph.D. (University of California, San Francisco) talked about research themes run by 13 investigators at 3 institutes: mechanisms and models of T1D, rebalancing the immune system (including in the context of islet transplants), and innovating in islet cell therapies.
- The Breakthrough T1D Canucks For Kids Fund Centre of Excellence: Megan Levings, Ph.D. (University of British Columbia) presented on this CoE’s work on engineering better islet cells for transplants, protecting remaining and transplanted islet cells, and measuring and reducing beta cell stress.
- The Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England: David Harlan, M.D. (University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School) discussed this Center’s goal—promote beta cell resilience to stressors. They plan to accomplish this by identifying new therapeutic targets, understanding early if these targets can translate to humans, and improving models and assays to help answer their questions.
Key Takeaways
- We know more than ever about the maturation of transplanted beta cells, and there are many promising techniques to protect them from the immune system that are working their way through the research pipeline.
- Real-life experiences show that islet cell therapies like zimislecel have benefits beyond blood-sugar control, including less daily stress.
- Centers of Excellence are Breakthrough T1D-funded research teams uniting expertise and resources to collaborate and share ideas, better understand complex T1D biology, and tackle some of the biggest challenges in islet cell therapies.
Disease-Modifying Therapies
Research Supported by the T1D Fund
William Quinn, Ph.D. (SAB Bio) presented phase 1 clinical data from four people treated with SAB-142 (humanized ATG), a DMT designed to delay or prevent progression of T1D. The therapy targets immune cells responsible for the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells while also preserving those that help balance the immune system. SAB-142 has a favorable safety profile and preserved C-peptide in all participants—while actually enhancing C-peptide in 3 of 4 people. Enrollment is ongoing for the SAFEGUARD clinical trial for people within 100 days of a T1D diagnosis, and next up is the Breakthrough T1D-funded PRISE-ATG study, led by Dr. Haller, which will study SAB-142 in people within 2 years of a diagnosis.
Taylor Triolo, M.D. (Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes) presented safety data around CNP-103, a DMT in clinical trials developed by COUR Pharmaceuticals. CNP-103 works by restoring balance to the immune system by training it to stop recognizing beta cells as a threat. In a study with 32 participants, early data show favorable safety and tolerability, with no severe adverse events. The trial is expanding and efficacy data is expected in late 2026 or 2027.
Key Takeaway
Data from emerging DMTs in clinical development are demonstrating favorable safety and some early hints of efficacy.
Early Detection
A session chaired by Linda DiMeglio, M.D. (Indiana University School of Medicine) tackled early risk assessment for T1D. How do we find people earlier? How can we ensure they are able to take advantage of the myriad benefits of knowing they have early-stage T1D?
First up, Andrea Steck, M.D. (University of Colorado) talked about using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to assess T1D risk in addition to family history and autoantibody results. And there are some specific findings on how these can be used together:
- More time above 140 mg/dl is indicative of disease progression
- Individuals who spend more than 15% of the day above 140 had about a 60% chance of progressing to stage 3 T1D within two years, versus about 15% for those below that level.
- Combined tools improve prediction validity. A risk score using CGM data, HbA1c, family history, and autoantibody results sorted people into low risk (about 5% chance in two years), medium (13%), and high (48%).
- For children in the middle stage, spending over 10% of the time above 140 signals risk of progression, and over 20% means it’s time to evaluate for stage 3 T1D.
Last up was Greg Lipak (HealthShare Exchange), who discussed how we can use AI to find individuals who may be misdiagnosed in electronic health records.
Early Detection Highlight: Breakthrough T1D-Funded Work and Staff Making an Impact
Richard Oram, M.D., Ph.D. (University of Exeter) discussed the use of genetic risk score to identify individuals who merit observation for progression into T1D. This means looking at their DNA to calculate a risk score, which correlates to risk of developing T1D. However, it is just risk. Someone with a high-risk score may not develop T1D, but a person with a low-risk score very well could. It’s another tool we can use to help people understand their status so they can potentially reap the benefits of early detection.
Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Ph.D., APRN, CDCES, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, took part in a panel discussing screening and early detection. The message remains the same: We’re making progress, but we need to screen more people. Global consensus is building among different aspects of screening, including the recent Breakthrough T1D-led consensus monitoring guidelines. However, we must ensure screening comes with clear, consistent communications with an action plan, so families can also have a plan.
Key Takeaways
- Early detection remains more important than ever—but screening is just the first step. Confirming and monitoring are essential to turn screening results into action.
- There are more tools to find individuals at risk and in early-stage T1D than ever.
Improving Lives
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Transforming Care with Continuous Ketone Monitoring
- Presenters: Richard Bergenstal, M.D. (HealthPartners Institute), Jennifer Sherr, M.D., Ph.D. (Yale School of Medicine), and Medha Munshi, M.D. (Harvard Medical School); supported by Abbott
- DKA is still a risk for people of all ages living with T1D because available ketone measurement methods are not widely used—and this drives up healthcare costs.
- Dual glucose-ketone monitoring will help guide care in real-time, warning people in advance so they can take action before an emergency happens.
- This technology could be particularly transformative for families, young adults transitioning to independence, people taking SGLT inhibitors, and older adults with other conditions or cognitive decline.
In a session chaired by Viral N. Shah, M.D. (Indiana University School of Medicine) that spanned multiple topics, Kalie L. Tommerdahl, M.D. (University of Washington) presented research on obesity and kidney disease in youth with T1D. Her data suggested that obesity and glycemic control affect T1D kidney health independently, which supports the notion that both need to be addressed in people with T1D for the best possible kidney outcomes.
Improving Lives Highlight: Breakthrough T1D and the T1D Fund Making an Impact
Thomas Strack, M.D. (vTv Therapeutics) presented on quantifying the population with clinically meaningful hypoglycemia-related burdens from people using AID. The results: over half of the adult T1D population have clinically meaningful hypoglycemia complications, and new interventions are needed to optimize care.
Breakthrough T1D has been studying the use of GLP-1s in T1D for years—and there are myriad benefits despite the drug still not being approved specifically for T1D. Piaopiao Li, Ph.D. (Emory University) presented data from a paper looking at real world data (not from clinical trials) to investigate how GLP-1s can affect cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease in T1D. The results were clear: this class of medications appear to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications without significant safety concerns. Dr. Li noted that the results should be validated in clinical trials.
Breakthrough T1D Chief Medical Officer International, Thomas Danne, M.D., Ph.D., discussed a new publication led by the Breakthrough T1D Medical Affairs team, titled “Roadmap to Fully Closing the Loop to Optimize Health in Type 1 Diabetes,” published in Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics. This manuscript defines a person-centered framework to evaluate fully closed-loop systems as they continue to evolve, emphasizing the need to simultaneously support people living with T1D in attaining glycemic outcomes while also meaningfully improving quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- Dual glucose-ketone monitoring can help people take action when ketones are rising before it becomes an emergency.
- Adjunctive therapies, including GLP-1s and SGLT inhibitors, have the potential to safely reduce heart and kidney complications in people living with T1D—but large trials have not been done yet.
- We’re getting closer to fully closing the loop—and Breakthrough T1D and collaborators published a roadmap to help us get there.
Advocacy
Expanding Global Access to T1D Treatments and Care
- Professor Partha Kar (Portsmouth Hospitals NHS University Trust) talked about improvements in access to T1D care in India, ranging from education, to insulin, to glucose testing strips. His colleague Renza Scibilia also mentioned the key role of Breakthrough T1D in advocating for better access, psychosocial health, and more.
- Carlos Antillón, M.D. (CEDYN, Mexico) presented on how global access and T1D innovations must advance together, and clinicians can help overcome barriers through advocacy, evidence generation, personalized treatment, HCP and patient education, and understanding what patients can realistically afford and sustain.
- Princess Padmaja K. Parmar (The Friends of Mewar) gave an inspiring talk on how global access to T1D supplies must be dependable and how lived experiences should guide all future work around T1D. She also highlighted the role of Breakthrough T1D in advancing research and access on a global scale.
- David Beran, Ph.D. (University of Geneva) gave a presentation around how barriers to access to T1D therapies and devices persist worldwide due to product shortages or discontinuations, with challenges in low- to middle-income countries largely driven by supply chain issues, technology costs, and more. Global advocacy and policy changes can help overcome these barriers.
“Breakthroughs matter when they reach people. Policy matters when it changes daily life. Partnerships matter when they continue beyond the conference room.” – Princess Padmaja K. Parmar
Key Takeaway
Access to T1D technology and devices is still a challenge around the world, but organizations like Breakthrough T1D are advocating for change and policies so that access can catch up with innovation.
Medical Affairs
Enrolling in Clinical Trials
Kimber Simmons, M.D. (University of Colorado) hit on a key point (and Breakthrough T1D organizational priority): clinical trial recruitment.
It is well established that clinical trials take far too long to enroll. It is also true that a new T1D diagnosis is an incredibly difficult situation for families to navigate. They must weigh placebo, randomization, side effects, and more. Then, the family has to make a decision quickly to successfully enroll within the clinical trial window.
Dr. Simmons and her team in Colorado rolled out a program to educate families about beta cell preservation in their one-week follow-ups. The results were striking. Among interested families, 24% of families enrolled in a clinical trial within 8 weeks.
Healthcare Professionals with T1D: A Unique Perspective on T1D Care
- Andrew Welch, M.D. (University of Cincinnati) talked about disruptions in diabetes supplies, including two calls to action: 1) diabetes tech companies should give people the quantity of supplies they actually need, taking into account early failures and 2) we need transparent real-world data about supply interruptions and their consequences.
- Sarah Westen, Ph.D. (University of Florida) and Marissa Hitchcock, BSN, RN, CDCES (Children with Diabetes) discussed how language matters when talking to people with T1D, especially when it comes to communicating the risk of complications and reducing diabetes stigma. Dr. Westen also told her own T1D story, including how Breakthrough T1D has supported her personally—and professionally!
- Kathryn Nagel, M.D. (Maine Medical Center) presented on how we need more data and better care for women with T1D who are pregnant, especially through psychosocial support and technologies for pregnancy-specific glycemic goals.
Medical Affairs Highlight: Breakthrough T1D-Funded Research
Emma Ospelt, MPH (T1D Exchange) presented her work on how pediatric endocrinology practices talk about clinical trial opportunities with newly diagnosed families, highlighting challenges around timely enrollment within the 100-day post-diagnosis window. The study identified different workflows in various centers, including formal processes that include initiating clinical trial conversations early versus clinics that lack dedicated staff or resources to have these conversations. In both scenarios, successful enrollment of newly diagnosed individuals in clinical trials is still not guaranteed, and clinical centers need additional support and resources to overcome these recruitment challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Recruiting for newly diagnosed trials is difficult, but with the right education, it can be done!
- Providing people with T1D with the best care possible goes beyond the clinic—it’s ensuring access to diabetes supplies, using person-centered language, and supporting women with T1D who are pregnant.
Look out for another article coming soon covering day 3 of CRC 2026. Keep an eye on our News & Updates webpage!
This article was written by Sandy Vogt, Ph.D., and Brian Herrick.
