ADA’s 86th Scientific Sessions
This event is one of the largest diabetes conferences in the world, bringing together over 11,000 attendees to share and learn about cutting-edge research and advancements toward cures. Each year, Breakthrough T1D-funded researchers highlight their work, demonstrating the progress we’re making toward achieving our mission. Leading experts will present over 100 studies spanning cell therapies, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), diabetes technology, treatments, and more!
Reporting live from New Orleans, LA! Breakthrough T1D is on site at ADA 2026 with leading scientists, clinicians, healthcare professionals, industry partners, and more to hear about exciting updates in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research—including work supported by Breakthrough T1D.
Read on for everything you need to know from the first two days ADA 2026, including key takeaways from panels and sessions featuring Breakthrough T1D staff and noteworthy highlights from Breakthrough T1D-funded researchers—both past and present—whose work was front-and-center.
Check out the updates from days 1 and 2 across Cures and Improving Lives!
Cell Therapies: Breakthrough T1D Staff at the Forefront
Sanjoy Dutta. Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, participated in a panel discussion about advancing manufactured islet cell therapies for widespread clinical use. A major theme was that eligibility requirements for clinical trials are too narrow—which means that less people have the chance to benefit and trials don’t progress as quickly. Patient-reported outcomes will be important to demonstrate to regulators that many people with T1D can and want to benefit from islet cell replacement therapy, and we need established, systemic methods in place to take the T1D community’s opinions into account.
The panelists also discussed the current challenges surrounding immunosuppression, which is one of the barriers to clinical trial participation, and ongoing efforts to develop novel cell protection strategies. Immunotherapies in development for early-stage T1D may be applicable in islet cell transplant settings, including approaches that retrain the immune system to ignore beta cells—an area that Breakthrough T1D is invested in.
To accelerate progress in manufactured islet cell therapies, the panelists agreed that the top priorities are:
- More companies exploring novel approaches
- Expanding eligibility criteria for trials—and incoporating the perspectives of the T1D community into regulatory decisions—so we can build more evidence around the safety and efficacy of manufactured islet cell therapies
- Additional frameworks to help guide the field, like our cell therapies roadmap and upcoming publications from Breakthrough T1D staff around manufacturing and preclinical considerations
- Optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce costs and ensure access for people who want these therapies
- Optimizing cell therapy products by reducing or eliminating the need for immunosuppression and finding the best transplant site for survival
Brynn Marks, M.D., Senior Director of Medical Affairs, chaired a session about the promise and perspective of islet cell replacement therapies for kids with T1D. Notably, Melena Bellin, M.D. (University of Minnesota) spoke about insights from children with pancreatitis who require full pancreas removal and receive transplants of their own healthy islet cells into their livers. In comparison to adults, children who receive this type of dual transplant have higher rates of islet survival and function and are more likely to stop needing external insulin. Laura Jacobsen, M.D. (University of Florida) spoke about practical clinical expectations for cell therapies and DMTs based on the data we have in adults and what this might mean for kids. Finally, Jane Speight, Ph.D. (The Australian Center of Behavioral Research in Diabetes) closed out with a talk about psychosocial considerations for pediatric islet cell transplantation.
Key Takeaways
The data surrounding islet cell therapies is very exciting, but we have more work to do until manufactured products are accessible to everyone with T1D who may want them. We are at the very beginning of considering what these therapies might look like in the pediatric T1D population.
Disease-Modifying Therapies
C-peptide
C-peptide is a biomarker of the body’s insulin production, which can be measured easily by a blood test. It’s formed when pro-insulin is cleaved into active insulin and C-peptide.
The Potential for a New and Improved C-Peptide
- Presenter: Samuel Sangqu Wu, Ph.D. (University of South Florida)
- C-peptide has the potential to be a validated endpoint for DMT clinical trials, and researchers like Dr. Wu are looking into new ways to help make this possible.
- Time to minimal residual C-peptide (TMRCP) is defined by how much longer people will have measurable C-peptide—meaning how long they will continue to make insulin.
- Dr. Wu applied this metric to six TrialNet studies and found that extrapolating TMRCP identified the same treatments as effective as each original analysis.
- TMRCP may be another metric to define the clinical meaningfulness of C-peptide, meaning it could be an alternative endpoint to consider for future DMT trials.
- Breakthrough T1D supported these efforts.
TEPLI-REAL: Evaluating Real-World Outcomes of People Treated with Tzield
- Presenter: Stephen Gitelman, M.D. (University of California, San Francisco)
- The purpose of this study was to understand populations who pursue treatment with Tzield and post-treatment outcomes through review of electronic health records.
- Diagnosis of T1D is heterogeneous, with people having either autoantibodies or dysglycemia (abnormal blood sugar) detected first, or others having both detected at the same time.
- These diagnostic pathways influence Tzield initiation. Those who had dysglycemia and autoantibodies detected at the same time had the shortest median time to start treatment.
- Most people who initiated Tzield were adolescents, and 94% of people who started treatment completed the full 14-day course.
- This study offers important considerations for healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding how T1D diagnosis influences Tzield treatment in routine practice.
Decoding Immune Mechanisms and Engineering the Immune System in T1D
- Todd Brusko, Ph.D. (University of Florida) presented on spatial locations of different immune cells that contribute to the autoimmune process in T1D pancreases—and the underlying mechanisms that influence this.
- Kyle Gaulton, Ph.D. (University of California, San Diego) uncovered single-cell changes in pancreatic cells from T1D pancreases using advanced genomic methods.
- Mohammad Haj Dezfulian, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania) mapped T1D antigens contributing to autoimmunity by taking a closer look at T cells, which play a role in destroying insulin-producing beta cells.
- Remi Creusot, Ph.D. (Columbia University) presented on a different approach to retraining the immune system to ignore beta cells, starting with precursors to immune cells.
- Together, these studies are deepening our understanding of how and where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in T1D—and uncovering new ways to retrain it.
Disease-Modifying Therapies Highlight: Research Supported by Breakthrough T1D or the T1D Fund
Kenneth Brayman, M.D., Ph.D., FACS (University of Virginia) presented work on two Breakthrough T1D-funded projects. The first centered around the preclinical optimization of a potential immune therapy for T1D called IgM. Dr. Brayman and his team found that this therapy can retrain the immune system to ignore insulin-producing beta cells in mouse models of T1D, and he expanded on the mechanisms by which this happens. In humans, this could be another way to promote beta cell survival.
The second study that Dr. Brayman presented, which is funded by Breakthrough T1D in conjunction with his collaborator Gordon Laurie, Ph.D. (University of Virginia), focused on a new potential drug called N-104, which mimics a compound that was found to be decreased in people with T1D. The data presented show that, in mouse models, N-104 may suppress autoimmunity while simultaneously promoting beta cell regeneration—marking a new potential DMT worth exploring further.
Christoph Bausch, Ph.D. (SAB Biotherapeutics, a T1D Fund portfolio company) presented data from the phase 1 study of SAB-142, a humanized ATG. This potential DMT preserved C-peptide, improved time in range, and reduced insulin therapy use. Even more, it can be safely re-dosed with mild side effects related to the infusion procedure. Next up is the phase 2b SAFEGUARD study, which is currently enrolling and will further explore the safety and efficacy of SAB-142. The ultimate goal is to delay or halt T1D progression.
Alok Joglekar, Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh) presented on a novel DMT approach that involves engineering different types of T cells in the body to suppress self-reactive T cells that are causing destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. His approach is designed to be antigen-specific, meaning selectively shutting down only the beta-cell-destroying T cells while leaving the rest of the immune system intact.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the key immune mechanisms underlying T1D pathogenesis is a major focus of T1D researchers, and they are turning this knowledge into novel strategies for potential DMTs. To expedite DMT clinical trials, time to minimal residual C-peptide may be a clinically meaningful measure of beta cell preservation. Real-world data about who is initiating Tzield treatment—and when—is providing HCPs with important information about the pathway to Tzield initiation in routine clinical practice.
Early Detection
Clinical Implementation of Pediatric T1D Screening and Monitoring
- Presenter: Sarah Lydia Holly, BSN, RN (Children’s National Hospital)
- Six pediatric endocrinology centers worked together to increase T1D screening and monitoring rates in kids through quality improvement and operational strategies.
- Between June 2024 to February 2026, the teams implemented patient and HCP education strategies, integration of screening and monitoring in clinical workflows, defined pathways for follow-up, and multidisciplinary coordination.
- The teams exceeded their goal and screened 1700+ people. No cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) reported, 85% engaged in long-term monitoring, and 73% were offered Tzield.
- This study demonstrates the feasibility of screening and monitoring in routine pediatric care, and this can facilitate early intervention and DKA prevention.
Early Detection Highlight: Breakthrough T1D Staff
Raquel Lopez Diez, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, hosted a Breakthrough T1D Reception for the T1D Genetic Risk Score (GRS) Consortium. The session brought together investigators and collaborators to discuss upcoming projects and future directions related to the T1D GRS Consortium, with dedicated conversations around genetics in non-European ancestry populations and adult-onset disease. The attendees exchanged ideas, identified areas for collaboration, and shaped priorities for the Consortium moving forward.
Key Takeaways
Screening and Early Detection has proven benefits, and the more people screened, the more people can avoid DKA at diagnosis, take advantage of a therapy to delay onset, and more. This is a major priority for Breakthrough T1D, and we support general population screening efforts.
Improving Lives
Discontinuation of Roche’s Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist for T1D
- Presenter: Jeremy Pettus, M.D. (University of California, San Diego)
- Roche conducted a phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate changes in glycemic control in overweight or obese adults with T1D treated with their drug acmopatide (CT-868).
- People treated with acmopatide demonstrated reduced HbA1c levels, weight, insulin dose, and blood pressure compared to placebo.
- Despite these improvements, Roche decided to discontinue research into acmopatide and abandon plans for a phase 3 clinical trial.
- However, there are other companies studying GLP-1s in people with T1D. For example, Lilly has an ongoing clinical trial that is fully enrolled. Learn more below.
GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists: The Good News
Eli Lilly’s phase 3 trials for tirzepatide for glycemic control in adults with T1D and obesity or overweight (SURPASS-1-T1D and SURPASS-2-T1D) are fully enrolled, with results expected in the coming months. The Breakthrough T1D-funded ADJUST-T1D trial demonstrated glycemic and metabolic benefits for people with T1D and obesity or overweight using an AID system treated with semaglutide. A few days ago, top experts in the field published a consensus on safe use of this class of drugs in the T1D population—including authorship by Brynn Marks, M.D., Senior Director of Medical Affairs—which means that we are providing healthcare professionals (HCPs) with the education needed to bring these therapies safely to the T1D community (more to come on this later). We and others will continue to push for additional research solidifying the safety and efficacy of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists and advocate for approval for the T1D community.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Kids
- Presenter: Michelle Van Name, M.D. (Yale University)
- There is clear evidence in adults with T1D that GLP-1 receptor agonists can improve weight and glycemic control and reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications, and more clinical evidence is needed for the adolescent population.
- Adolescents with T1D could benefit from this class of drugs because they tend to have insulin resistance and live with overweight or obesity, and those who develop T1D earlier in life have a greater lifetime risk of long-term complications.
- Currently enrolling clinical trials (T1-DISCO and Obesity Complicating T1D: GLP-1 Analogue Anti-Obesity Treatment) in young adults living with T1D and obesity are investigating the impacts of GLP-1s on cardiovascular outcomes.
- Dr. Van Name’s mentor was Bill Tamborlane, M.D., a long-time champion for the T1D community and Breakthrough T1D supporter who recently passed away.
Improving Lives Highlight: Breakthrough T1D-Funded Researchers and Breakthrough T1D Staff
Richard Pratley, M.D. (Advent Health) presented on the unique needs of the heterogenous population of older people living with T1D. It can be especially challenging for HCPs to set glycemic targets because of variable life expectancies, lifestyle differences, presence of other health issues, and a lack of evidence surrounding blood glucose management for this population. Dr. Pratley recommends that goals for glycemic targets in older adults with T1D should be individualized, and T1D technology can significantly reduce hypoglycemic events. And he emphasized an important point—there aren’t enough therapies to reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications, which older adults are especially vulnerable for. Dr. Pratley is executing a Breakthrough T1D-funded clinical trial to repurpose cardiorenal drugs that work in T2D for T1D.
Viral Shah, M.D., a Breakthrough T1D-funded researcher, presented an evidence synthesis on ketone monitoring and treatment, which was co-authored by experts in the field including our Vice President of Medical Affairs, Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Ph.D., APRN, CDCES. The team collected real-world or hypothetical clinical situations related to DKA to create a framework that HCPs can follow to determine the best course of action. This includes considering who is the intended population for ketone monitoring, when and how to check ketones, defining clinical parameters for elevated ketones, and follow-up steps for management. This effort is critically important because rates of DKA are increasing around the globe, as detailed in the preceding presentation by Guillermo Umpierrez, M.D. Ketone management is a Breakthrough T1D priority, and our Medical Affairs team previously spearheaded a publication outlining international expert recommendations on continuous ketone monitoring in T1D.
Dr. Albanese-O’Neill and Jonathan Rosen, Ph.D., Director of Research, were co-authors on two posters reporting on a multinational survey of adults using T1D technology with severe hypoglycemia exploring how they are doing in their daily lives. The participants reported sub-optimal health and significant impairments in productivity, highlighting the remaining unmet needs for the T1D community despite recent advances—showcasing why the work we do to improve the lives of those living with T1D is so critically important.
Key Takeaways
GLP-1s are top of mind for researchers—they have proven benefits for adults with T1D, and ongoing clinical trials will provide more evidence for their use in younger populations. We need to do more for older adults with T1D, from individualized approaches to glycemic targets to developing more therapies to prevent heart and kidney complications. Last but not least, DKA rates are increasing around the world, and Breakthrough T1D is actively involved in efforts to guide HCPs on ketone management—which is especially important with continuous ketone monitoring on the horizon.
Look out for another article soon wrapping up days 3 and 4 of ADA 2026!
