The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine unveiled an innovative approach at the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 84th Scientific Sessions that highlights the potential of human, stem cell-derived islets combined with an immunomodulatory microgel to reverse Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
This technology was developed to enable pancreatic islet cell replacement in the allogeneic setting (from a donor to an unrelated recipient) without the need for chronic, systemic immunosuppression.
The collaborative effort was spearheaded by Giacomo Lanzoni, Ph.D., a Miller School research assistant professor in biochemistry and molecular biology, with teams from iTolerance, Inc., and Kadimastem, Ltd. The research demonstrates that the combination of iTOL-100 engineered microgel developed by iTolerance, Inc., and IsletRx stem cell-derived islets developed by Kadimastem, Ltd., can effectively restore normoglycemia in a model of diabetes.
“Our observations highlight the transformative potential of combining stem cell-derived islets with an immunomodulatory microgel,” Dr. Lanzoni said. “This approach could enable transplantation across the allogeneic barrier, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for T1D, and could enhance the safety and long-term efficacy of islet cell transplantation.”
“The Fast Track Center for Testing at the DRI Cell Transplant Center continues to serve as a key shared resource to validate emerging technologies towards a cure for diabetes,” said Camillo Ricordi, M.D., director of the Cell Transplant Center and director emeritus at the Diabetes Research Institute as well as chief in the Division of Cellular Transplantation at the Miller School. “We hope to continue to be of assistance towards the identification of reliable and potentially unlimited stem cell-derived islet sources for transplantation, which may one day be able to replace the limited availability of pancreas-derived islets from multiorgan donors, when lifelong recipient immunosuppression will no longer be required.”
The study’s key findings indicate that this combination therapy reverses diabetes and preserves the functional integrity of the transplanted stem cell-derived islets.
Source:
https://news.med.miami.edu/diabetes-research-institute-announces-transplantation-for-type-1-diabetes/