Diabetes Cell Therapy: one step away from the finish line

Mass media: scientists have learned how to grow insulin-producing cells

RIA NewsScientists from Harvard University have achieved a breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes by learning how to grow and transplant cells that independently produce insulin, reports The Telegraph (Cure for Type 1 diabetes imminent after Harvard stem-cell breakthrough).

Using embryonic stem cells, scientists were able to create a large number of insulin-producing human cells, almost completely identical to healthy pancreatic cells. Their transplantation will allow patients with type I diabetes to refuse daily injections of insulin, the researchers are sure.

Type I diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease in which the so–called beta cells of the pancreas stop producing the hormone insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels. When injecting insulin, it is impossible to precisely regulate the required amount of the injected hormone, which can lead to complications. The first type of diabetes mellitus is less common than the second, but it often affects people at a young age.

"We are now at the stage of preclinical trials, one step away from the finish line," quotes Professor Doug Melton, who devoted 23 years to these studies after his young son was diagnosed with diabetes.

According to him, beta cells are currently being tested on animals, including primates. He noted that the cells continue to produce insulin for several months. "It was gratifying to know that we could do what we always thought was possible," Melton added.

Chris Mason, professor of regenerative medicine at University College London, compared this achievement to the discovery of antibiotics. Professor Helen Fuchs from Rockefeller University stated that "today this is one of the most important achievements in the field of stem cells."

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru10.10.2014