From Trials to Treatment: UI Health’s Islet Cell Therapy Gains Approval
Edward “Ed” Augustin III became the nation’s first insurance-covered islet cell transplant with brittle Type 1 diabetes. Dr. Enrico Benedetti led the procedure.e
Introduction
Led by Dr. Enrico Benedetti, UI Health performed the nation’s first insurance-covered islet cell transplant for a patient with brittle Type 1 diabetes. The procedure, using the FDA-approved therapy Lantidra from UI Health, comes after years of research trials, rigorous FDA inspections, and collaboration with insurers—marking a major step in making this life-changing treatment more widely available.
Edward “Ed” Augustin III, who previously benefited from islet transplantation in a clinical trial, has already seen significant improvement and may soon be insulin-free again. This milestone highlights UI Health’s leadership in advancing diabetes care and expanding access to innovative treatments.
Read more at Crain's Chicago Business.