51ÁÔÆæ

Islet cell recipients raise their hands during the celebration

Patients, researchers, donors, and supporters gathered at the Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) to mark the 25th anniversary of a medical breakthrough that changed the landscape of Type 1 diabetes treatment worldwide. The celebration honored the publication of the Edmonton Protocol in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2000, a pioneering achievement by a team of 51ÁÔÆæ scientists that has since become a global standard in islet cell transplantation.

The Edmonton Protocol, developed by a multidisciplinary team including Drs. Ray Rajotte, Greg Korbutt, and James Shapiro who attended the celebration, introduced a revolutionary method of transplanting insulin-producing islet cells from a donor pancreas into the liver of patients with Type 1 diabetes. This technique has enabled many patients to live insulin-free, transforming lives and redefining possibilities for diabetes care.

Dr. Bill Flanagan, President and Vice Chancellor of the 51ÁÔÆæ, praised the team’s legacy: “When I talk about how the 51ÁÔÆæ changes the world, I talk about Dr. James Shapiro and the Edmonton Protocol. It established Edmonton as a global leader in Type 1 diabetes research.”

Among the attendees was Maryanna Pokerznik, one of the original seven transplant recipients—affectionately dubbed “the magnificent seven” by ADI Director Dr. Peter Senior. Reflecting on her journey, Pokerznik shared, “Before the transplant, it felt like a death sentence. I had to tell my daughter I couldn’t drive her to dance class. After the transplant, I jumped into a tank of dolphins with her in Mexico. I was excited, grateful.”

Dr. Shapiro, who recently received the prestigious BJS Award from The Royal College of Surgeons of England, expressed deep gratitude to the original patients. “They were incredibly brave – all I could say was ‘we can promise you nothing.’ We are incredibly grateful.”

He added, “When we talk to patients who have undergone islet cell transplantation, many tell us it is transformational. It allows them to lead fully functioning lives that they couldn’t do previously because of the risks posed to them. Seeing a patient lead a normal life, have a family, hold down a job—it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Today, Edmonton’s islet cell transplant program is one of the largest and most successful in the world, a testament to the enduring impact of the Edmonton Protocol and the visionaries who brought it to life.