Researchers at the University of Alberta and Cornell University have successfully combined two innovative surgical techniques for transplanting insulin-producing cells, creating hope for a safer and more widely available treatment for diabetes.
Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, their study demonstrates sustained cell survival and diabetes reversal in mice without using harmful anti-rejection drugs. The combined approach, named "SHEATH" (subcutaneous host-enabled alginate thread), involves a removable polymer thread containing thousands of islet cells protected by a thin hydrogel coating.
Dr. James Shapiro, a leading figure in islet cell transplantation, collaborated with Dr. Minglin Ma of Cornell University, and the results show promise. Further testing in larger animals and eventual human trials are needed to determine the full potential of this innovative method.
The researchers are actively seeking funding for additional research and exploring its application for transplants beyond diabetes treatment.