Optimizing porcine islet macroencapsulation for the treatment of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (C04)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: from 2012 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 213602983

Islet transplantation represents an effective treatment option for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, but is limited due to the need for immunosuppression and shortage of donor organs. We have evaluated a strategy of porcine islet macroencapsulation (BetaAir® device) in different transplant models, including non-human primates, for safety, efficacy, and immunoprotective properties. This concept has now entered the application phase for a first clinical pilot trial. In the final funding period we will in parallel optimise on both the pig islet cell material and the device system to further improve insulin diffusion and efficacy for successful clinical application.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 127: Biology of Xenogeneic Cell and Organ Transplantation - From Bench to Bedside
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Heads: Professor Stefan R. Bornstein, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Mathias Brendel, until 6/2016; Professorin Dr. Barbara Ludwig; Professor Mark Peakman, Ph.D., until 12/2020; Dr. Rocio Sancho Zapatero; Dr. Petra B. Welzel