Xenotransplantation Versus Diabetes

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Under competition from stem cell based regenerative medicine, work on viable xenotransplantation therapies moves forward. From EurekAlert: researchers "have successfully reversed diabetes in monkeys using transplanted islet cells from pigs. ... Researchers have already had success reversing type 1 diabetes in humans through islet transplantation, however, the demand for islet cells grossly outweighs the supply. ... a safe and reliable source of islet cells must be found. ... These results suggest it is feasible to use pig islet cells as a path to a far-reaching cure for diabetes. Now that we have identified critical pathways involved in immune recognition and rejection of pig islet transplants, we can begin working on better and safer immunosuppressant therapies with the eventual goal of bringing the treatment to people." This strategy may also be of use in treating type 2 (age-related) diabetes, but it's worth remembering that preventation is an effective alternative in this case.

Link: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-02/uom-uom021606.php