I speak with the first patient in a groundbreaking type 1 diabetes cure research trial using encapsulated neonatal pig islet cells—without immunosuppression. Six months after his transplant through the OPF-310 study led by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and University of Illinois Chicago, Michael Revland's insulin needs have been cut in half as the cells have begun maturing and producing insulin. We dive into how this porcine islet cell transplant works, why it differs from stem cell and donor islet trials, and the risks and rewards of pursuing insulin independence. He also shares why he declined an immunosuppression-based transplant study and the emotional highs and lows of being patient number one.

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making changes to your health care. 

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