The exact pace of change is hard to judge but major clinical trials are underway to test beta cell replacement based on stem-cell derived islets and xenotransplantation is also in a period of rapid progress. These advances will address limited supply of cells for transplantation. Other moves are underway to reduce need for immunosuppression that will be required for wide uptake of beta cell replacement. Advances in the field of stem-cell derived islets are reviewed frequently at the workshop that IPITA puts on in conjunction with the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the JDRF. Advances in all forms of beta cell replacement are reviewed at the IPITA congress and also at the joint meetings we hold with the IXA and CTRMS. We are looking forward to the next IPITA Congress to be held in Pisa, Italy from June 18-22 2025.

For the present, however, whole pancreas and isolated islet transplantation remain the backbone of current beta cell replacement. IPITA is committed to fully support clinicians and others who provide these important and complex procedures and technologies. We have recently established a pancreas transplant community of practice to ensure a forum for new and more experienced surgeons to discuss issues in the field.

IPITA has a Council with an excellent balance of global location, professional background (transplantation, endocrinology, islet biology, biomedical engineering etc), and gender and we would love you to engage with the Council and its committees. Please feel free to put yourself forward for greater involvement in activities that interest you.

IPITA supports beta cell replacement in all its forms and works together with other organisations and institutions such as the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and with industry to work towards a life without diabetes.

Tom Kay
IPITA President