Pig Cell Transplant Treats Type I Diabetes

A new compound for the treatment for type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes involves porcine islet cells injected into the peritoneal cavity to produce insulin and help regulate blood glucose levels.

The compound, named Diabecell is made of microencapsulated islet cells, so that near-normal blood glucose levels may be achieved without the need for insulin management or at significantly reduced levels, and without the need for concomitant immunosuppression. The cells are coated in a proprietary alginate gel that forms a tiny capsule around the cells and prevents the patient's immune system from destroying the transplant. The product is currently in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in Moscow (Russia) in six type I diabetics. Recipients in this first trial are being given the lowest clinically effective dose to demonstrate safety with dosing to be repeated for additional clinical benefit. Follow up monitoring of these patients will continue for 12 months. Additional Phase I/IIa clinical trials will commence shortly on eight long-standing type I diabetics in New Zealand. Diabecell is under development by Living Cell Technologies (LCT, Auburn, Australia)

"Intra-peritoneal islet cell transplantation has the potential to improve type I diabetes mellitus and ultimately prevent the life shortening consequences of chronic diabetes, which cannot be achieved by conventional insulin treatments,” said Professor Bob Elliott, M.D., medical director of LCT. "The global market for type I diabetes is estimated at 24 million people.”

The company is also developing the technology for future treatment of Huntington's disease and other neurological disorders, transplanting microencapsulated choroid plexus cells that deliver beneficial proteins and neurotrophic factors to the brain.


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