February 19, 2025
Diabetes Patients

New Research Brings Injection-Free Treatment Closer for Diabetes Patients

Researchers from the University of Alberta have made significant progress in developing a new method to create insulin-producing pancreatic cells from a patient’s own stem cells. This advancement could potentially bring injection-free treatment closer for people with diabetes.

The team uses stem cells taken from a patient’s blood and manipulates them in a process known as directed differentiation. By chemically manipulating the cells, they are able to transform them into insulin-producing cells.

In a recently published study, the researchers treated pancreatic progenitor cells with an anti-tumor drug called AKT/P70 inhibitor AT7867. This method resulted in a 90% success rate in producing the desired cells, compared to previous methods that only achieved a 60% success rate. Furthermore, the new cells showed a reduced likelihood of developing unwanted cysts and led to glucose control without the need for insulin injections in mice.

The team aims to eliminate the remaining 5 to 10% of cells that do not result in pancreatic cells, further improving the success rate of this technique.

James Shapiro, Canada Research Chair in Transplant Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, and head of the Edmonton Protocol, emphasizes the need for a solution that provides a limitless source of cells. Current transplantation methods rely on donated islet cells and require recipients to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives. Shapiro believes that growing insulin-producing cells from a patient’s own blood could eliminate the need for anti-rejection drugs and expand the availability of this treatment.

Although further studies are necessary to ensure safety and efficacy before human trials can begin, Shapiro is optimistic about the progress being made in this field. This research brings hope for a future where diabetes patients can receive transplantation of stem-cell-derived islet cells without the need for lifelong medication.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Money Singh
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

Money Singh

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

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