A groundbreaking development originating in Israel promises to reshape the lives of millions living with diabetes. Researchers have unveiled an implantable device capable of autonomously regulating blood glucose levels, potentially eliminating the need for daily insulin injections. The device, described as a self-regulating, drug-manufacturing “organ” within the body, represents a significant leap forward in diabetes treatment.
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A Novel Approach to Diabetes Management
The research, led by by Assistant Professor Shady Farah of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, was conducted in collaboration with leading U.S. Universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Massachusetts. The findings were published on in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Researchers emphasize that this is not simply a cell transplantation, but a fundamentally new technology with significant advantages over traditional methods.
A ‘Crystalline Shield’ Protects the Implant
A major obstacle in cell-based therapies has historically been the body’s immune response, which often identifies and destroys the implanted cells as foreign. The research team has overcome this challenge with a novel “crystalline shield.” This protective layer conceals the implant from the immune system, allowing it to function reliably for years. The shield enables the living implant to continuously and reliably perform its function.
This protective layer hides the implant from the immune system, allowing it to function undisturbed for years.
The technology has already demonstrated successful long-term glucose regulation in mice, and studies in non-human primates have confirmed the viability and functionality of the cells within the implant. Researchers state these results represent a crucial milestone and strongly support the potential for future human applications.
While the research currently focuses on treating diabetes, experts believe the implantable, closed-loop system could also be applied to other chronic conditions requiring continuous biological agent replenishment.
The concept originated in , when Shady Farah was conducting postdoctoral research at MIT and Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Development is now continuing in the laboratories of the Technion, in close collaboration with several American institutions.
The device functions as an autonomous “artificial pancreas,” continuously monitoring blood glucose levels and releasing insulin as needed, without requiring external pumps, injections, or patient intervention. This self-regulating capability distinguishes it from existing diabetes management techniques.
The development addresses a critical need for improved diabetes treatment options. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, requires lifelong insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar. Current methods, involving multiple daily injections or the use of insulin pumps, can be burdensome and often require careful monitoring and adjustment. The implantable device offers the potential for a more convenient and effective solution.
The research builds upon decades of work in tissue engineering and immunology. Robert Langer, co-founder of Moderna and a mentor to Farah during his postdoctoral research, has been a key figure in the development of innovative drug delivery systems. Matthew Bochenek from MIT and Joshua Doloff from Johns Hopkins are co-first authors on the published study, highlighting the collaborative nature of the research effort.
While the technology is still in the early stages of development, the successful results in animal models are encouraging. The next step will be to conduct clinical trials in humans to assess the safety and efficacy of the implantable device. Researchers are optimistic that this technology could eventually transform the lives of millions of people living with diabetes, offering a path towards injection-free, long-term glucose control.
The implications of this research extend beyond diabetes. The “crystalline shield” technology could potentially be adapted for use in other cell-based therapies, overcoming the challenge of immune rejection and paving the way for new treatments for a wide range of diseases. The development of a self-contained, implantable system for drug delivery also opens up possibilities for treating other chronic conditions that require continuous medication.
The research team acknowledges the significant challenges that remain before the device can be widely available. These include scaling up production, ensuring long-term durability, and addressing potential regulatory hurdles. However, the initial results are promising, and the researchers are committed to advancing this technology towards clinical application.
