Surrogate β-cell Production for Cell Therapy

This innovative cell therapy treatment for Diabetes Mellitus is designed to create surrogate β-cells that release insulin in response to physiological increases in blood glucose levels, mimicking the natural function of pancreatic cells. These modified cells are then used in macro or microencapsulation devices, which provide a controlled environment for the cells, allowing for sustained and regulated insulin release. Additionally, the encapsulation devices protect the cells from the body’s immune response while allowing them to function effectively. This solution not only offers a promising alternative for human diabetes treatment but also extends to veterinary applications, providing a scalable and reliable option for managing diabetes in companion animals. The approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce reliance on daily insulin injections, and enhance the quality of life for individuals and their pets living with diabetes.

Background: 
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition where the body either cannot produce sufficient insulin or cannot use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. This imbalance can cause severe complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision loss. Current treatments rely heavily on external insulin administration through injections or insulin pumps, but these methods require frequent monitoring, do not replicate the body’s natural insulin response, and can be burdensome for patients. Advanced therapies like continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps have improved management, but they are not curative and may lead to challenges such as device failure or skin irritation. Current cell-based approaches, such as using primary β-cells or insulin producing stem cell technologies, often struggle with issues like cell durability, delivery, and immune rejection. This innovation addresses these limitations by developing surrogate β-cells that naturally produce and release insulin in response to blood glucose levels, similar to healthy pancreatic cells. This reduces the need for lifelong immune suppression and enhances cell survival, offering a more reliable, scalable, and patient-friendly solution. 

Applications: 

  • Human Diabetes treatment (Type 1 and insulin-dependent Type 2)
  • Veterinary Medicine (diabetes management in companion animals)
  • Biotechnology (cell-based therapies and insulin production systems)


Advantages: 

  • Mimics natural pancreatic function 
  • Scalable and reliable insulin source
  • Reduces the need for frequent insulin injections or monitoring devices
  • Lowers the risk of immune rejection compared to other cell transplant methods
  • Eliminates the need for lifelong immunosuppression therapy
Patent Information: