Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Trials
Current clinical trials for people with type 1 diabetes are exploring treatments to restore beta cell function, prevent and treat complications, and reduce the burden of blood sugar management. See if you're eligible to enroll.
Researchers are constantly evaluating new treatments and technologies that could help people with type 1 diabetes live happy, healthier lives. Participating in a clinical trial can go a long way toward advancing treatments and improving health outcomes for people with diabetes.
Here are some trials specifically recruiting people with type 1 diabetes.
Finding a functional cure for type 1 diabetes
A Vertex study is testing an investigational islet cell therapy called zimislecel (VX-880), which has shown sustained insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes, making it potentially a functional cure for diabetes. So far, 12 clinical trial participants who received a full dose of zimislecel no longer needed daily insulin after one year, though all require long-term immunosuppression. The company is in the enrollment phase and currently recruiting.
Preserving insulin function
This new trial is testing whether teplizumab (Tzield) can help those under the age of 25 recently diagnosed with stage 3 type 1 diabetes improve their A1C and reduce the need for mealtime insulin. Currently, Tzield is approved to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in people aged 8 and older with stage 2 type 1 diabetes. Expanding Tzield to people with stage 3 type 1 diabetes would help preserve remaining insulin-producing cells, which could delay the onset of symptoms and reduce the risk of future complications.
New oral medication for hypoglycemia
The CATT1 trial is studying cadisegliatin, a potential new oral treatment that could help people with type 1 diabetes lessen the risk and impact of hypoglycemia. Cadisegliatin is a drug designed to help improve liver function when blood sugar levels are high. Specifically, it’s thought to trap glucose inside liver cells, promoting glucose uptake and storage. Because cadisegliatin works differently from other diabetes medications, it may be a useful addition alongside insulin to help manage blood sugar.
Tirzepatide for type 1
For the first time, researchers are exploring the effectiveness of tirzepatide – which is currently only approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and weight management (Zepbound) – for people with type 1 diabetes and obesity or overweight. GLP-1 medications have traditionally been off-limits for people with type 1 diabetes due to concerns around risks like hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Promising new beta cell treatment
The DIAGNODE-3 trial is recruiting people recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes to see if the immunotherapy drug Diamyd preserves insulin-producing cells and improves time in range. New forms of treatment like Diamyd could be an important prevention tool by stopping the destruction of beta cells in those newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Medication to prevent nighttime lows
The ZONE study is investigating whether an injectable drug, ZT-01, could prevent nighttime hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes. ZT-01 works by increasing the amount of glucagon – a hormone produced naturally in the body when blood sugars drop – produced during hypoglycemia episodes. In previous studies, 90% of participants saw increased glucagon levels after ZT-01 treatment, with no serious health events reported.
Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy
The PRAM-T1D trial is inviting pregnant people with type 1 diabetes to take part in an online study that will gather real-world insights into diabetes management during pregnancy. By capturing how people manage their diabetes throughout all stages of pregnancy, researchers hope to generate insights that could shape future guidelines, improve outcomes, and personalize care for pregnant people with type 1 diabetes.
Medications to prevent kidney disease
The SUGARNSALT study will test the use of the SGLT-2 inhibitor, sotagliflozin (Inpefa), in people with type 1 diabetes and moderate to advanced chronic kidney disease. Sotagliflozin is currently approved to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. SGLT-2 medications in people with type 1 diabetes have shown an increased risk of DKA, but previous studies have shown that a DKA prevention plan could help reduce this risk.
Understanding type 1 risk
The TrialNet Pathway to Prevention of T1D study aims to understand the different characteristics that put people at risk for developing type 1 diabetes. If you are related to someone with type 1 diabetes, you can participate in this free trial to find out your risk. Screening is important for early diagnosis and proper management of diabetes, which can help delay complications.
More clinical trials to watch out for
Ozempic for kidney disease in type 1 diabetes: This study is investigating the effect of semaglutide (Ozempic) – which is currently only approved for type 2 diabetes – on kidney function in people with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
New use for cholesterol medicine: Fenofibrate is an oral medicine used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride (fatty acid) levels in the blood. This study will examine whether the drug is effective for preventing diabetic retinopathy.
Delaying the onset of type 1: Two new clinical trials will be studying whether baricitinib, an autoimmune drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of hair loss, can delay the onset or progression of type 1 diabetes. The upcoming trials start recruiting in early 2026 in multiple countries across the globe.
Learn more about type 1 diabetes research and treatments here: