A Randomized Trial of the Insulin-only Bionic Pancreas in Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes

Study on Insulin-Only Bionic Pancreas for Diabetes in Cystic Fibrosis

V
Viral Shah

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
14 years or above
All
Phase N/A
10 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

This multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare efficacy and safety endpoints using the insulin-only configuration of the iLet Bionic Pancreas System (BP) versus a control group using their usual care insulin delivery method and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during a 13-week study period in individuals ≥14 years old with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). 

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY

Detailed description of study

The study has a screening period followed by the 13-week RCT and 13-week Extension Phase.  Random assignment [1:1] to BP group or Usual Care group using their usual care insulin delivery method and CGM, with a separate stratum for participants not using a CGM at the time of screening. After 13 weeks, participants will continue in a 13-week Extension Phase in which the BP group will continue to use the BP system and the Usual Care group will initiate use of the BP system.

Intervention / Treatment
  • Device: iLet Bionic Pancreas System (BP)
  • Device: Usual Care (UC)

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes
  • Age: 14 years or above
  • Gender: All

Inclusion

  1. Age ≥ 14 years old at time of signing informed consent
  2. Able to provide informed consent (and assent for participants <18 years old)
  3. Documentation of a CF diagnosis as evidenced by one or more clinical features consistent with the CF phenotype and one or more of the following criteria:
    • Sweat chloride equal to or greater than 60 mmol/liter by quantitative pilocarpine iontophoresis test (QPIT) (when not taking a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator)
    • Two well-characterized mutations in the CFTR gene
  4. Clinical diagnosis of CFRD, defined as a person with CF and diabetes mellitus, treated with insulin for ≥3 months prior to screening
  5. Using the same insulin regimen for ≥1 month prior to screening and collection of baseline CGM data, with no plans to change regimen during the study: either multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI), basal-only without bolus insulin, an insulin pump without automation, or an automated insulin delivery (AID) system other than the BP (which is an exclusion)
  6. Total daily insulin dose must be ≥0.1 units/kg
  7. Able to speak and read English sufficient to understand the pump user interface and provide written materials for safe operation of the BP

    • For pediatric participants, this applies to both the participant and caregiver

  8. For participants <18 years old, living with one or more parent/legal guardian knowledgeable about emergency procedures for severe hypoglycemia. A designated care partner must be willing to be linked to the participant's Dexcom Follow application with location sharing on.
  9. For participants >18 years old who live alone, participant has a relative or acquaintance who lives within 30 minutes of participant and is willing to be contacted to check on participant if study staff feel that participant may be experiencing a medical emergency and cannot be reached. A designated care partner must be willing to be linked to the participant's Dexcom Follow application with location sharing on.
  10. No use of a non-insulin glucose-lowering medication, except metformin, that is not approved for use in T1D within 3 months prior to signing informed consent and willing to not use any such medications during the course of the trial. Note: such drugs cannot be used even if prescribed for weight loss rather than glucose-lowering.
  11. If not currently using a rapid-acting insulin that is approved for use in the iLet pump, willing and able to switch to an approved insulin when using the BP.
  12. Participant has commercial glucagon available for treatment of severe hypoglycemia or will obtain it prior to randomization
  13. Willing to authorize the study team to contact the participant's primary physician to inform them about their participation in this study.
  14. Enrolled in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry (participants may enroll in the Registry at the time of enrollment if not already enrolled).
  15. No plans for trips of more than 14 consecutive days outside the United States during the period of study participation
  16. Investigator believes that the participant can safely use the iLet and will follow the protocol • The investigator will take into account the participant's HbA1c level (there is no upper limit for eligibility), compliance with current diabetes management, prior acute diabetic complications, cognitive ability, and general medical condition. For this reason, there is no upper limit on HbA1c specified for eligibility.

Exclusion

  1. Current use of the BP or an AID system not FDA approved for T1D
  2. Known hemoglobinopathy (sickle cell trait is not an exclusion)
  3. Current participation in another diabetes-related interventional trial
  4. Established history of allergy or severe reaction to adhesive or tape that must be used in the study
  5. Pregnant (positive urine hCG), breast feeding, plan to become pregnant in the next 7 months, or sexually active and can become pregnant but not using contraception
  6. Current use of hydroxyurea or unable to avoid hydroxyurea use during the study (interferes with accuracy of Dexcom sensor)
  7. Have started or stopped a CFTR modulator in the 4 weeks prior to screening.

    • Modifications of the dosing of a CFTR modulator is acceptable

  8. Anticipated lung or liver transplant (on transplant list)
  9. Lung or liver transplant within one year prior to screening. If they have had a transplant more than a year ago, but they:
    • Have had a rejection episode occur in prior 8 weeks, individual is excluded.
    • Their doses of corticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors have not been stable for one month prior to enrollment and/or is expected to change significantly over the course of the study, individual is excluded.
  10. Acute pulmonary exacerbation or hospitalization within the 4 weeks prior to screening or treatment with IV antibiotics in the 4 weeks prior to screening
  11. History of a complete pancreatectomy
  12. Currently using enteral tube feedings for nutritional support
  13. Presence of a medical condition or use of a medication that, in the judgment of the investigator, clinical protocol chair, or medical monitor, could compromise the results of the study or the safety of the participant. Conditions to be considered by the investigator may include the following:
    • Alcohol or drug abuse
    • Use of prescription drugs that may dull the sensorium, or hinder decision-making during the period of participation in the study such has opioids or short-acting benzodiazepines
    • Coronary artery disease that is not stable with medical management, including unstable angina, angina that prevents moderate exercise (e.g., climbing a flight of stairs) despite medical management; or within the last 12 months before screening: a history of myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, enzymatic lysis of a presumed coronary occlusion, or coronary artery bypass grafting
    • Congestive heart failure with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification III or IV
    • History of TIA or stroke in the last 12 months
    • Severe liver disease such as end-stage cirrhosis
    • Renal failure requiring dialysis or known eGFR <30
    • Untreated or inadequately treated mental illness
    • History of untreated or inadequately treated eating disorder within the last 2 years, such as anorexia, bulimia, or diabulimia or omission of insulin to manipulate weight
    • History of intentional, inappropriate administration of insulin leading to severe hypoglycemia requiring treatment
  14. Employed by, or having immediate family members employed by Beta Bionics, or being directly involved in conducting the clinical trial, or having a direct supervisor at place of employment who is also directly involved in conducting the clinical trial (as a study investigator, coordinator, etc.); or having a first-degree relative who is directly involved in conducting the clinical trial.

This study investigates the use of an insulin-only bionic pancreas system in people with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD). CFRD is a type of diabetes that occurs in people who have cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. The study will compare the bionic pancreas system to usual insulin care methods to see how well it works and how safe it is.

Participants will be randomly assigned to use either the bionic pancreas system or their usual insulin care. The study will take place over a 13-week period, followed by a 13-week extension phase. During this time, participants will use continuous glucose monitoring, which is a way to check blood sugar levels all the time. The study will measure how well blood sugar is controlled and look for any side effects.

  • Who can participate: People aged 14 and older with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes can join. They must have been on insulin treatment for at least 3 months and meet certain health criteria.
  • Study details: Participants will use either the bionic pancreas system or their usual insulin care method. They will monitor their blood sugar levels continuously. The study does not involve a placebo, which is an inactive substance that looks like the investigational medicine but does not contain any medicine.
Updated on 06 Mar 2026. Study ID: ENDO-JAEB-CFRD-BP, 24808
Please visit our main page to search for other studies you may be interested in. If you need help finding a study or have any questions, please contact us at inhealth@iu.edu

Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only