Three key themes from ATTD 2026

Early detection of T1D

EDENT1FI, a European screening initiative, presented global data on screening for the early detection of T1D. The session highlighted the international reach of the screening programmes that are ongoing throughout the world, funded by Breakthrough T1D. 

These programmes are improving outcomes for people found to be in the early stages of T1D, providing monitoring, enrolling eligible people in clinical trials and offering treatments that could  delay the onset of insulin therapy, such as teplizumab. They are also developing effective ways to teach newly diagnosed people about what T1D is and how to prepare for life with T1D. 

Early detection in the UK

Research from the Breakthrough-T1D funded ELSA study here in the UK was presented, with a key finding from study being that that nobody who learned they have T1D autoantibodies regretted receiving that information. 

The ELSA team also shared that: 

• With proper monitoring, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis is almost entirely preventable 

• Successful screening requires full integration across healthcare teams – from leadership to everyone in diabetes care teams 

• A team-based approach from clinicians is required. Screening is just the first step, monitoring is where DKA prevention can happen 

The overall message was clear – the more people who are screened, the more people can benefit. Our early detection hub can tell you everything you need to know about screening programmes in the UK.

Disease‑Modifying Therapies

Disease‑modifying therapies, also referred to as immunotherapies, aim to slow down the progression of T1D by impacting the immune system, preventing it from destroying the insulin-producing cells. Teplizumab became the first approved therapy for early‑stage T1D when the FDA authorised it in 2022 in America, and the MHRA approved it in 2025 in the UK (NICE decision depending). It can delay the onset of T1D by an average of three years. Since approval, and with rising awareness of early detection, people from around the globe have been able to benefit.

As new T1D therapies emerge, healthcare professionals need to consider how best to integrate them into existing care pathways. In a session led by Breakthrough T1D‑funded researchers, including Professor Colin Dayan from the University of Birmingham, this was discussed at length.  

The main takeaways were: 

• People considering any disease modifying therapy should work closely with their diabetes care team to ensure they meet the requirements 

• Treatment involves 14 consecutive infusion days. People can receive the final days of treatment at home with support from their care team 

• Centres offering teplizumab need a large team with trained infusion staff, on‑call clinicians, pharmacy support, and the ability to deliver infusions over 14 days without interruption 

• 98% of people surveyed said their main reason for choosing teplizumab was to delay the onset of T1D 

Cell Therapies

Despite major advances in diabetes technology and care, people with T1D still face significant challenges. Data presented by Breakthrough T1D‑funded researchers at the Vertex Pharmaceuticals Industry Session showed that globally, only around 25% of people with T1D reach the recommended HbA1c target.  

The introduction of insulin pumps has transformed diabetes management, but most people are still unable to meet ideal targets. This can increase the risk of long‑term complications such as heart, kidney, and eye disease. 

These numbers show that new therapies are urgently needed. Research into cellular therapies is progressing at a rapid rate, with Sana Biotechnology sharing updates from their in-human study. At present, donor islet transplants are an option, but only for a very small number of people, due to the scarcity of donor tissue and the need for lifelong immunosuppression.  

The Eledon Trial

Results were presented from a trial in the US, funded by Breakthrough T1D, exploring the use of a targeted immunosuppressant called tegoprubart in islet transplants. This is being used in place of standard immunosuppression, which can often affect the immune system in a negative way. The drug is part of the Eledon trial, made by Eledon pharmaceuticals. This data showed that everyone who received the therapy experienced improved blood glucose control, with 10 of the 12 participants no longer needing to take insulin, with the first three not requiring to inject for over 12 months.  

A key piece of data from this presentation was that none of the people in the trial have experienced negative side effects, such as severe hypoglycaemia or infection. They also haven’t experienced any indication of transplant failure. Importantly, their kidneys and nervous system are still functioning well.