Three Separate Research Groups Publish Breakthroughs in Implantable Tech for Type 1 Diabetes
Each approach uses encapsulated insulin-producing cells and addresses immune rejection through different engineering strategies.
The goal is to enable cell therapy benefits without immune suppression.
Hydrogel-Based Graft (Amniogel)
Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) developed a hydrogel derived from the human amniotic membrane, termed Amniogel. The gel is used to embed pancreatic islets and vessel-forming cells, creating a pre-vascularized graft.
- In diabetic mice, grafts maintained normal blood sugar levels for at least 100 days.
- Laboratory tests indicated the gel reduced migration of cytotoxic immune cells.
Ekaterine Berishvili, Associate Professor at UNIGE, stated the gel creates a protective environment and the grafts arrive pre-vascularized. She noted the next step is to produce larger grafts for human application.
Living Artificial Pancreas Implant
Researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) and collaborating institutions in the United States developed a living implant designed to function as an artificial pancreas, as published in Science Translational Medicine.
- The cell-based system monitors blood sugar levels and autonomously produces insulin.
- Immune rejection is addressed through a "crystalline shield" protecting the implant.
- The technology demonstrated long-term glucose control in mice and survival in non-human primates.
Researchers indicated the platform could potentially treat other chronic conditions, such as hemophilia, by modifying the cells to deliver different proteins.
Encapsulation Device with Oxygen Generator
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed an implantable device that encapsulates insulin-producing cells and incorporates an on-board oxygen generator, as reported in the journal Device.
- In mice, encapsulated pancreatic islet cells survived for at least 90 days and regulated blood sugar levels.
- The 2023 iteration of the device was improved to extend lifespan beyond one month by enhancing waterproofing and resilience.
- The oxygen generator, powered wirelessly by an external antenna, splits water vapor into oxygen to sustain cell health.
Daniel Anderson, Professor at MIT and study co-author, stated the objective is to enable cell therapy benefits without immune suppression. The researchers aim to extend the device's operational lifespan to two years or more.
Background on Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Current standard treatment requires daily insulin injections. Islet transplantation is limited by donor shortages and the risk of immune rejection.