Nature Medicine recently reported on studies conducted by US and Canadian scientists at the University of Minnesota and the University of Alberta, who have reversed diabetes in primates by transplanting insulin producing islet cells from pigs.
Islet cell transplantation has long been considered a promising therapy in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. However, a major limitation in this treatment is the lack of available organ donors. Scientists have turned to pigs as an alternative source as they produce a similar form of insulin to humans.
There are still some important issues that need to be addressed such as ethical and safety concerns, as this type of transplantation raises the prospect of introducing viruses and pathogens that might prove harmful.
This type of research is not currently undertaken in the UK, however human experiments using pig islet cells have been conducted in Mexico.
Scientists argue that animal to human transplants may be necessary to make islet cell transplantation a viable solution for the millions who live with the condition.
It is hoped that the success of the primate trials will pave the way for human clinical trials within the next three years.
DRWF realise that the general public will have many questions relating to this type of research. In support of the ’Spring Point Project’, DRWF are happy to provide further information on request.