Breakthrough T1D had the pleasure of speaking with Patti Columbe, a participant in Vertex’s pivotal trial for the manufactured islet therapy zimislecel (formerly VX-880). Patti has been living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for nearly 39 years. This is one of the most exciting T1D trials in terms of getting us closer to cures for T1D.
In this piece, we’ll talk about Patti’s T1D journey and what led to her successful enrollment in this landmark clinical trial.
The opinions, views, and experiences detailed in the interview below are those of Patti and are not representative of other participants’ experiences in this clinical trial, nor are they representative of Vertex Pharmaceuticals or Breakthrough T1D.
The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Patti, can you tell us about your diabetes journey?
A: I was diagnosed with T1D in October 1986. I’ve lived with it for nearly 39 years. As anyone who knows this disease can tell you, it’s very hard. I’ve used every possible management system—pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), inhaled insulin, and I even have a diabetic alert dog named Otto. Despite these tools, I always struggled with low blood sugars, and I struggled with the mental burden of this disease. I was the kid at diabetes camp who had to get a glucagon injection in the middle of the night.
Q: What did you use to manage your T1D?
A: I’ve done everything—pumps, injections, CGMs, everything. But now I use multiple daily injections. I also rely on my diabetic alert dog—Otto! Otto, my service dog would often jump in my bed 20 minutes before a CGM would go off. And he consistently does that!
How did you hear about the clinical trial?
A: Having been around T1D for so long, I knew about the concept of islet transplants. I also knew that the end goal is making these cells. It was exciting but not something I thought was a reality today.
About two years ago, I heard about a clinical trial being done by Vertex. I found out about it on Instagram, actually. I then reached out to them and began the screening process.
Breakthrough T1D x Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Where it all began
Breakthrough T1D has played a role in the evolution of zimislecel for decades. In 2000, Breakthrough T1D awarded a grant to Douglas Melton, Ph.D., who developed a cutting-edge protocol to grow beta cells in a lab. Dr. Melton later founded Semma Therapeutics to turn these cells into curative therapies for T1D. In 2017, The T1D Fund made a catalytic investment in Semma, which was then acquired by Vertex in 2019—accelerating zimislecel’s development and leading to where we are today. We’ve been working closely with them ever since.
Q: What was the screening process like?
A: The screening was extremely thorough. I answered a ton of questions about my insulin usage, diet, blood type, history of hypoglycemia, and more. I even had to prove I had had T1D for all these years. They tested me for autoantibodies. They tested me for seemingly everything!
Q: How did it feel to make it into the trial?
A: Clinical trials like this are important. Clinical trials have to happen. We can’t get a cure without them, so somebody has to step up. I am lucky enough that I can step up—and I’m so glad to.
Participate in clinical trials
Clinical trials are an essential step in bringing new treatments and devices from labs to clinics. People who courageously choose to participate in clinical trials, like Patti, help drive progress for the entire T1D community. If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, use our Clinical Trials Matching Tool to find a trial near you. You can also connect with a Clinical Trial Education Volunteer in your area to answer any questions you may have.
Why this matters
Breakthrough T1D extends a heartfelt thank you to Patti for courageously sharing her story with us so we can truly understand why the work we’re doing is critically important. If you choose to participate in a clinical trial, like Patti, you have the potential to provide transformative benefits to the entire T1D community by accelerating the pace of clinical research. Learn more about clinical trials and how you can get involved. If you’re interested in the zimislecel clinical trial, check out the trial sites and eligibility criteria.
To accelerate T1D cures faster than ever, Breakthrough T1D’s Project ACT (Accelerate Cell Therapies) is simultaneously advancing research, development, regulatory policies, access, and adoption of manufactured islet therapies that do not require broad immunosuppression. We will not stop until these therapies are available to everyone with T1D who wants them—and clinical trial participants like Patti are getting us there faster.
We are well on our way to seeing manufactured cell therapies like zimislecel come to life. We owe a huge thank you to our supporters and the broader T1D community for inspiring us every day to keep pushing forward until functional cures for T1D are a reality.
Disclaimer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals has donated to Breakthrough T1D.
This article was written by both Brian Herrick and Sandy Vogt.
