Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a significant discovery in the search for scalable treatments for diabetes, identifying novel mechanisms by which the drug harmine, known for its beta cell regenerative properties, may convert pancreatic alpha cells into insulin-producing beta cells. These findings, published in Cell Reports Medicine, offer hope for tackling the global diabetes epidemic that impacts over 500 million individuals worldwide.

Diabetes occurs when pancreatic beta cells are unable to produce sufficient insulin, a hormone crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. Despite progress in medical research, finding a scalable treatment solution has proven challenging, leaving countless individuals reliant on daily insulin injections or alternative treatments.

For more than 15 years, scientists at Mount Sinai have been pioneering the development of drugs aimed at regenerating human beta cells. Their current research has highlighted harmine’s potential to significantly boost beta cell mass and even transform alpha cells, representing a potential breakthrough in diabetes management.

Harmine, which was first recognized in 2015 as part of the DYRK1A inhibitors, has emerged as a hopeful candidate for beta cell regeneration. Studies released in 2019 and 2020 indicated that the regenerative effects of harmine could be heightened when used in conjunction with TGF-beta signaling pathways or GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic) and exenatide (Byetta). These combinations resulted in significantly improved rates of beta cell regeneration.

In a landmark finding in July 2024, researchers from Mount Sinai announced that harmine alone could bolster human beta cell mass by an incredible 300 percent. When used alongside a GLP-1 receptor agonist, this effect escalated to a 700 percent increase.

Recent discoveries suggest that harmine’s capability to not only regenerate beta cells but also convert alpha cells into beta cells could lead to a transformative and scalable therapy for millions of

people with diabetes. Such innovations could lessen reliance on external insulin treatments and provide a lasting solution for diabetes management and potential cures.

Dr. Andrew Stewart, one of the leading researchers in the study, expressed hope regarding the findings, asserting, “This research marks a significant advancement in our comprehension of beta cell regeneration and harmine’s potential to tackle a global health issue. Our aim is to turn these findings into accessible treatments that can assist millions.”

As the research advances, the team at Mount Sinai is dedicated to enhancing harmine-based therapies and investigating clinical applications to ensure that these breakthroughs reach those who are in need. With ongoing progress, this discovery could revolutionize the future of diabetes treatment.