Cure & Advancements/June 4, 2026/2 min read

New Data on Immune-Modulating Drug for Islet Transplant in Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers at the University of Chicago are presenting updated results from a trial of tegoprubart, a drug designed to help islet transplants survive and function in people with Type 1 diabetes. The findings will be shared at the American Diabetes Association's annual scientific conference.

News report — unverified, pending corroboration

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

Tegoprubart is an investigational drug that targets CD40L, a protein involved in immune system activation
The drug is being studied to help islet transplants work longer in people with Type 1 diabetes
This is an investigator-initiated trial at the University of Chicago, meaning researchers designed and are leading the study
Updated data from the trial will be presented at the ADA Scientific Sessions in June 2026

What Is Tegoprubart?

Tegoprubart is an investigational antibody being developed by Eledon Pharmaceuticals. It works by targeting CD40 Ligand, a protein that plays a central role in activating immune cells. By modulating this immune pathway without completely depleting immune cells, tegoprubart aims to reduce rejection of transplanted tissue while preserving protective immune function.

The Islet Transplant Trial

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Institute, led by Dr. Piotr Witkowski, are conducting an investigator-initiated trial testing tegoprubart in patients with Type 1 diabetes who receive islet transplants. Islet transplantation is a procedure in which insulin-producing cells from a donor pancreas are transplanted into people with Type 1 diabetes to help restore insulin production.

What's Being Presented

Updated data from the trial will be presented at the American Diabetes Association's 86th Scientific Sessions on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in New Orleans. The presentation, titled "Anti-CD40L to Induce Graft Survival and Function in Islet Allotransplantation," will focus on how tegoprubart may help transplanted islets survive and function in recipients.

Why This Matters

One of the major challenges with islet transplantation is that the recipient's immune system can reject the transplanted cells. Finding ways to allow transplants to survive longer while maintaining overall immune protection is a key goal in transplant research. Results from this trial could help inform future approaches to improving outcomes for people who receive islet transplants.

Evidence label

Origin: GlobeNewswire News Room (News report). Evidence: News report — unverified, pending corroboration. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

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