In photos: Edmonton Protocol Celebrates 25 Years

Celebrating a made-in-Edmonton scientific breakthrough that improved the lives of diabetes patients across the globe.

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On June 4, 205, diabetes patients, researchers and donors celebrated 25 years of the Edmonton Protocol, an innovative diabetes treatment for patients developed at the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥. 

The Edmonton Protocol achieved what was thought impossible —a life beyond insulin injections. It became an internationally-leading islet cell transplant program, changing the lives of patients with hard-to-manage Type 1 diabetes. To date, more than 2,500 patients world-wide have received the treatment – 330 of those patients in Edmonton.  

The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Diabetes Institute marked the anniversary with a public celebration bringing together students, researchers and those impacted by diabetes, including some of the first patients to ever receive the islet cell transplant. The evening included opening remarks by Bernhard Hering, an internationally-renowned leader in islet transplantation followed by an expert panel discussing past, present and future islet cell replacement therapies. On June 5, 2025 faculty, students and researchers participated in a full-day Scientific Gairdner Symposium.

Original Edmonton Protocol patient Bob Teskey embracing Dean Brenda Hemmelgarn

James Shapiro, Bernhard Hering (Keynote) and Ray Rajotte

Maryanna Pokerznik, one of the original transplant recipients

Bernhard Hering, Keynote speaker

L to R: Peter Senior (moderator), James Shapiro, Bernhard Hering and Ray Rajotte

Front Row: Three of the original seven transplant recipient patients  Back Row: Five of the eight authors of the landmark New England Journal of Medicine publication

Sonja Schrepfer, Senior VP, Sana Biotechnology Inc.