According to reports from students at the John Hopkins University, a new type of device has been developed that will fix therapeutic cells inside a blood vessel. These cells can then release both protein and insulin if required. The news marks an important step forward in diabetic cell therapy.
Students have created an experimental stent that can house cells that produce insulin, and protect them from the body. A number of experimental protection systems have been trialed, including alginate capsules, but the new stent promises to be the most effective yet.
The stent is built in several layers, the innermost of which is wrapped in a nylon mesh. One oncologist from the John Hopkins Institute for Cell engineering, Dr. Jeff Bulte, reportedly praised the development: "I think it’s a brilliant idea. If they’re not siblings, donor cell transplants in the case of diabetes are something we’re working on. Typically they’ll be rejected unless the immune system is completely suppressed."
On account of both diabetics and healthcare experts, the news is good.
New diabetes stent has merit
Tue, 08 May 2007
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