2025 T1D Cell Therapies Workshop & Report

2025 T1D Cell Therapies Workshop & Report

2025 T1D Cell Therapies Workshop & Report

Preparing Canada for cell therapies for type 1 diabetes

Cell therapies have the potential to transform the treatment of type 1 diabetes, but bringing these therapies to patients will require more than scientific and clinical advances. Canada must also be ready to assess, fund and deliver these complex therapies within the health system.

On June 25–26, 2025, the Stem Cell Network (SCN) and Breakthrough T1D Canada convened experts from across Canada to examine how the country can prepare for emerging cell therapies for type 1 diabetes and identify practical solutions to barriers across the pathway.

The resulting report identified five focus areas that Canada will need to address as cell therapies for type 1 diabetes move closer to patient access.

Status: 1

Translational research

Support promising cell therapies as they move from research toward clinical use through a non-profit navigation function, clearer Canadian manufacturing guidance, and a stronger value proposition to attract funding for translational research and infrastructure.

Status: 2

Regulatory and HTA assessment

Improve navigation of regulatory and health technology assessment processes through coordinated guidance and education, while incorporating patient perspectives and the broader real-world value of cell therapies into trial design and evaluation.

Status: 3

Risk-sharing and reimbursement

Engage payers earlier, explore innovative reimbursement models, and strengthen long-term real-world evidence collection to reduce uncertainty and support sustainable access to high-cost, high-impact therapies.

Status: 4

Implementation and adoption

Prepare the health system to deliver cell therapies through strategically located centres of excellence, trained care teams, coordinated referral pathways, and infrastructure that supports equitable access across provinces.

Status: 5

Health misinformation and disinformation

Build awareness and trust through a multi-audience education campaign, targeted outreach, and clear, reliable information about type 1 diabetes and emerging cell therapies, including their benefits, risks and role in care.

Preparing for the therapies ahead

Cell therapies for type 1 diabetes offer significant promise, but realizing their potential will require coordinated action across research, regulation, reimbursement and health-system delivery.

By preparing now, Canada can help ensure its health system is ready to evaluate and adopt emerging therapies safely and effectively, while supporting timely and equitable access for patients.

Read the full report

The workshop was informed by Regenerative Medicine: A Primer on Translating Discoveries in Canada, developed by the Institute of Health Economics and SCN to provide a shared foundation for discussion on the translation and integration of regenerative medicine in Canada.