Diabetes cell transplant approved in New Zealand

The Health Minister of New Zealand, David Cunliffe, has provided conditional approval to permit porcine cells to be transplanted into eight individuals with type 1 diabetes .
The treatments will form part of a clinical trial, conducted by Kiwi firm Living Cell Technologies. Living Cell Technologies are a pioneering company looking for ways to improve treatment for type 1 diabetics .
LCT are attempting a type of xenotransplantatio, injecting the pig cells into type 1 diabetes patients to try and produce insulin in the body, thereby reducing the need for insulin injections .
Cunliffe took considerable advice before making his decisio, and granted approval for the trial to go ahead at the Middle more Hospital in Auckland, subject to one further review.