Patti Columbe

Patti Columbe lives in Greenville, North Carolina, and is the seventh participant treated at the Chicago site of Vertex Pharmaceuticals' pivotal zimislecel trial. Zimislecel, carried through the earlier trials as VX-880, is a therapy of stem cell-derived islets. Before receiving her islet infusion in February 2025, Patti spent decades on pumps, continuous glucose monitors, inhaled insulin, and with a diabetic alert dog named Otto without escaping her low blood sugars. She has lived without insulin since the infusion, maintained via immunosuppressants. Patti readily shares her story to inspire others and build transparency and hope. As one of the first people in the world to receive stem cell-derived islets, she is making history.

Affiliation

Zimislecel Trial Participant and Advocate

Location

Greenville, North Carolina, U.S.