Implantable micro-pancreas- Great hope for diabetes free life for patients

As of today, over 450 million adults are suffering from diabetes globally. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the number will rise to 700 million in about 20 years. A new technology that will allow insulin-dependent patients to get rid of their syringes and lead a diabetes-free life is coming soon.

Israel: Israeli researchers have created 'micro-pancreas' which when implanted into diabetes patients, will work as a replacement pancreas for producing insulin in response to increased levels of blood sugar. This will do away with the need for diabetes patients to constantly monitor the blood sugar levels and getting a shot of insulin.

Betalin Therapeutics has come up with a platform technology that combines cells and a biological scaffolding for those cells to situate themselves in and mimic their natural environment. The technology has been tested on animals with some success and the company is now looking to raise enough funds to be able to put it through clinical trials.

According to the company, once implanted, the implantable system would last for two years and could then be replaced. It would cost $40,000 per implant if it was brought to the market.

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“We replace the damaged tissue with functional new, functioning tissues, dead pancreas with a new pancreas which is engineered in the laboratory and implanted under the skin of the patient," said Avi Treves, the company’s head of research and development.

Extensive experiments on mice have proved that the concept works. Speaking to the website Xinhua, Dr Treves said: “The moment that we were convinced it’s working and that it’s going to be a product is when we saw the mice which were sick, the glucose level sky-rocketing, and [then] implanting the micro-pancreas, glucose levels go down, and the mice continue to run happily. That was an enlightening moment.”

Also Read: New artificial pancreas regulates blood sugar round the clock confirms Clinical trial

Ten other companies are working on a similar concept. Dr Treves added: “We are a small company and we want to focus and have the first product in the market and then dream about others.”

For further reference:

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/30/c_138593916.htm