A Breakthrough in Type 1 Diabetes Treatment #
Doctors at UI Health have performed the nation’s first FDA-approved islet cell transplant using Lantidra, the only therapy currently authorized to treat brittle type 1 diabetes.
On August 26, 2025, a 69-year-old Illinois man, Edward “Ed” Augustin III, received the transplant and soon after was able to stop taking his daily insulin injections — a life-changing milestone. Lantidra became available exclusively at UI Health in November 2024.
What Is Islet Cell Therapy? #
Islet cell therapy is designed for adults with type 1 diabetes who experience:
- Frequent severe hypoglycemia
- Hypoglycemia unawareness (inability to detect low blood sugar)
The treatment uses pancreatic islet cells derived from a deceased donor’s pancreas. These cells are infused into the patient’s liver, where they begin producing insulin.
- Donor matches are coordinated through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
- Unlike pancreas transplants, islet transplants have no age limit and avoid the risks of major surgery.
Patient Story: From Injections to Independence #
For Augustin, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5, the procedure has been transformative.
“I can be normal. This is huge. I’m going from shots and reactions to no shots and no reactions.” — Edward Augustin III
He had previously undergone two experimental islet cell transplants in 2011, which kept him insulin-free for 12 years. After relapsing in 2023, he once again relied on daily insulin until this latest transplant.
A week after the procedure, Augustin no longer needed insulin injections. Unlike traditional organ transplants that require up to 12 days of hospitalization, he was discharged within 24 hours.
Medical Team Perspectives #
Dr. Enrico Benedetti, head of surgery at UI Health, called this a turning point:
“This is the first time in the United States that an islet transplant was no longer experimental, but an FDA-approved medical procedure.”
Dr. Lorenzo Gallon, medical director of UI Health’s abdominal organ transplant program, added that islet therapy not only treats brittle diabetes but may also help prevent kidney damage if used early.
The Larger Impact of Lantidra #
- Type 1 diabetes in the U.S.: affects more than 1.4 million people
- Brittle type 1 diabetes: affects about 80,000 people and can cause blindness, kidney failure, amputations, strokes, and heart attacks
Lantidra was developed through decades of research at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) by Dr. José Oberholzer. Clinical trials were conducted at UI Health, and the therapy was later developed by CellTrans Inc. (founded by Oberholzer) for FDA approval.
Today, UI Health works with patients’ insurance providers to help cover the cost of Lantidra therapy.
Conclusion #
The first FDA-approved islet transplant with Lantidra marks a new era in diabetes treatment. For patients like Ed Augustin, it means freedom from daily insulin injections and a significantly improved quality of life.
With UI Health leading the way, this breakthrough could transform care for thousands living with brittle type 1 diabetes across the United States.