Top News from ADA's 85th Scientific Sessions

June 25, 2025

Monday marked the conclusion of the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) 85th annual Scientific Sessions, held in Chicago, IL, from June 20-23. The conference is one of the largest and most influential diabetes research events in the world and is considered the most impactful venture of the ADA. The much-anticipated Sessions brought together thousands of experts, scientists, and physicians from around the globe to debate and present the latest developments in diabetes research.

The Sessions included more than 2,000 presentations covering all types of diabetes. However, T2D topics received most of the discussion at the conference, as in prior years.

This report presents the most discussed topics and themes from the conference and the top stories directly related to T1D.

By the Numbers

JDCA staff categorized all conference abstracts and presentations. The numbers are directionally accurate, but there may be some interpretation for presentations that refer to diabetes generally.

• 53%: T2D-specific research.
• 22%: T1D-specific research.
• 18%: T1D and T2D research (e.g., general complications, management, mental health, etc.).
• 7%: Other research (e.g., MODY, management technology for other diseases, etc.).

Most Discussed Topics: Obesity, GLP-1s, and AI

1. Obesity

As in prior years, the most discussed topic by far was obesity. Primarily, regarding prevention, promoting weight loss, avoiding complications, and reducing stigma.

• This year, an increasing number of presentations focused on obesity and related risks not associated with diabetes. This is not unsurprising.
• ADA rolled out its first annual Standards of Care in Overweight & Obesity, a parallel to the ADA’s current definitive guide for diabetes. The publication was released via the Obesity Association, a subdivision of ADA launched at last year’s Sessions.

2. GLP-1s

The number of GLP-1-focused presentations was similar in abundance to last year. GLP-1s (both inhibitors and agonists) are T2D drugs that lower blood sugar and promote weight loss.

• The mainstream popularity of using GLP-1s for weight loss was noted.
• Emphasis on widening the use of GLP-1s in overweight but otherwise healthy individuals.
• Exploring alternative methods of drug delivery (patches, pills, and once-monthly dosages).
• Addressing the short- and long-term side effects, primarily sarcopenia (loss of strength and muscle mass), prompting the exploration of new drugs that also preserve/increase muscle.

3. AI and Disease Management

While the number of projects addressing CGMs is comparable to last year, there is increasing exploration of the potential of AI in disease management.

• Confirmed the importance of CGMs and AID devices in maintaining long-term glucose control, reducing diabetes distress, and improving the healthcare setting for both T1D and T2D.
• Expansion of presentations using AI-integrated tools to improve management and clinical outcomes, including:
  • a breath-AI device to noninvasively measure glucose,
  • conducting eye exams,
  • automating carb-counting,
  • improving communication between physicians and patients.

T1D Highlights

There are three top stories related to T1D research. Two share promising research results of projects that are key components of a Practical Cure. The third story reflects the continued emphasis on delaying full T1D onset.

1. VX-880: 10 of 12 Insulin Independent After 12 Months

Vertex Pharmaceuticals presented promising one-year, phase III trial data for VX-880 (Zimislecel). VX-880 tests stem cell-derived islets transplanted into patients with established T1D. The cells are protected from the immune system’s attack via a broad-spectrum immunosuppressive regimen.

• 10 out of 12 (83%) are insulin independent at the 12-month mark.
• All patients achieved HbA1c <7% and time in range of >70%.
• All patients eliminated severe hypoglycemic events.

Vertex plans to file a submission for market approval next year.

2. UP421: 6-Month Data

Sana Biotechnology and Uppsala University Hospital presented six-month data for their phase I Practical Cure trial, UP421. The trial tests donor islets, gene edited to avoid detection by the immune system, and transplanted into the forearm muscle of patients with established T1D. The trial does not use any form of immunosuppression. However, to date, only one patient has been dosed.

• Cells continue to survive at the six-month mark without anti-rejection drugs, a record for the longest-surviving transplanted cells in an established T1D patient, without the use of immunosuppression.
• The cells continue to produce insulin in response to glucose stimulation, measured by C-peptide.
• No safety issues were found.

Sana hopes to advance its second-generation project in 2026. Called SC451, it will use scalable stem cell-derived beta cells instead of limited cadaverous donor cells.

3. Onset Delay Remains a Top Topic

The prevention and delay of T1D continues to arise as a key topic. Following the 2023 FDA approval of Tzield, many other researchers are working on similar solutions.

One project highlighted at the conference was ProTrans, led by principal investigator Per-Ola Carlsson from the University of Uppsala. The phase I/II trial took place in Sweden, under the direction of NextCell Pharma Ab.

The trial tested ProTrans, a repeat infusion of stem cells believed to protect beta cells from the immune system and preserve insulin production. After the trial concluded, results demonstrated no safety issues. Patients who received a high dose lost only 6% of insulin production after 1 year, compared to the medium dosage which lost 44-49%.