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Stem cell-derived islet replacement for type 1 diabetes implanted in first patient
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The experimental encapsulated cell therapy product candidate called VC-01, designed to treat type 1 diabetes, was successfully implanted into the first patient, according to statements from developer ViaCyte and its funding partner, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“In terms of potential, this is a very important first step for looking at encapsulated insertion of islets, essentially from stem cell precursors,” Steven C. Griffen, MD, vice president of translational development at JDRF, told Endocrine Today.
Based on the production of pancreatic progenitor cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells, VC-01 encapsulates human islets in an immune-protective delivery system that could overcome obstacles limiting transplantation in this population, according to the release.
“If ultimately successful, this could revolutionize the way that we manage type 1 diabetes, freeing patients from injections and providing glucose regulation in a manner very similar to that of people not affected by type 1 diabetes,” Griffen said.
This first of a two-phase trial is being conducted by Robert Henry, MD, at the University of California San Diego Health System, with the support of the institution’s Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center; the researchers will follow, over several months, a small group of patients living with type 1 diabetes for at least 3 years.
“In this initial group of patients being studied, the primary focus is safety considerations,” Griffen said. He underscored this trial does not aim to make patients insulin independent.
“With the subsequent group, there will be a little more opportunity to look at how the device and the cells are really performing,” Griffen said. Effectiveness of VC-01 in replacing lost insulin-function would be evaluated by measuring C-peptide levels, according to the release.
Following evaluation of the first group, it is anticipated more patients would be enrolled at additional sites in 2015. — by Allegra Tiver
Disclosures: Griffen reports no relevant disclosures.