Sana's UP421 Therapy Shows Breakthrough in Type 1 Diabetes; Stock Surges 300%

Jan 7, 2025, 11:12 PM

Sana Biotechnology has announced promising initial results from a first-in-human, investigator-sponsored study involving its hypoimmune (HIP)-engineered islet cell therapy, UP421, for type 1 diabetes. Conducted in partnership with Uppsala University Hospital, the therapy demonstrated the ability to evade immune rejection and produce insulin without the need for immunosuppression. The study showed graft survival at 28 days, with evidence of functional pancreatic beta cells producing insulin, as indicated by circulating C-peptide levels, which increased during a mixed meal tolerance test. MRI scans confirmed the survival of the transplanted cells. The study identified no safety concerns and marks a potential breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes. Sana's stock surged significantly, gaining over 300% in after-hours trading, with the company adding approximately $900 million to its market capitalization. The therapy, if successful in further trials, could offer a scalable, curative treatment for type 1 diabetes, eliminating the need for insulin injections or immunosuppressive drugs.