Bryant Native Participates in Chicago Trial Aimed at Curing Type 1 Diabetes

The trial involves transplanting insulin-producing cells to help patients manage glucose without injections.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Katie Hand, a Bryant native, is taking part in a clinical trial at the University of Chicago Medicine that aims to help patients with type 1 diabetes regulate their glucose levels without the need for insulin injections. The treatment involves transplanting insulin-producing islet cells from a deceased donor pancreas, which can then produce insulin to manage glucose levels.

Why it matters

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that requires daily insulin injections and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. This trial represents a potential breakthrough in treating the disease, offering patients the possibility of managing their condition without the burden of regular insulin shots.

The details

The trial is being conducted by Eledon Pharmaceuticals and the University of Chicago Medicine. Eleven patients nationwide, including Hand, travel to Chicago every three weeks for infusion treatments as part of the study. The trial is still in its early stages and could take several years before the therapy is approved for widespread use.

  • Katie Hand, a Bryant native, is currently participating in the clinical trial.
  • The trial involves infusion treatments every three weeks.
  • The trial remains in its early stages and could take several years before the therapy is approved for widespread use.

The players

Katie Hand

A Bryant native participating in the clinical trial at the University of Chicago Medicine.

Piotr Witkowski

The director of the Pancreatic and Islet Transplant Program at the University of Chicago Medicine, overseeing the clinical trial.

Eledon Pharmaceuticals

The company conducting the clinical trial in partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I feel great. I feel like myself, except better, because for the first time in over a decade, my glucose is in range all the time.”

— Katie Hand (KARK)

“Those cells producing insulin will help patients manage the glucose. They don't need to inject it anymore.”

— Piotr Witkowski, Director of the Pancreatic and Islet Transplant Program, University of Chicago Medicine (KTLO.com)

What’s next

The trial remains in its early stages and could take several years before the therapy is approved for widespread use.

The takeaway

This clinical trial represents a promising step forward in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, offering patients the potential to manage their condition without the need for daily insulin injections. If successful, the therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for those living with this chronic disease.