Israeli firm says micro-pancreas to 'cure' diabetes ready for UK trials

[Northerner]

An Israeli company claiming to have created a tiny micro-pancreas that can “cure” diabetes for millions of people has said it will submit a request next month for human clinical trials in the UK.

Betalin Therapeutics said its “bio-artificial” pancreas aims to free patients of the need for insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring. It is designed for people with type 1 diabetes, and those with type 2 diabetes who require insulin.

The Jerusalem-based firm told the Guardian it would provide a plan for clinical trials to Britain’s regulatory agency in August. Betalin aims to begin human testing early next year, with the hope of delivering to the market by 2024.

Central to the innovation is a biological scaffold, adapted from pig lung tissue, that holds beta cells. Those cells release insulin based on the patient’s blood sugar levels. The miniature artificial pancreas, just visible to the naked eye, is implanted under the skin on the thigh using local anaesthesia.

Israeli firm says micro-pancreas to 'cure' diabetes ready for UK trials

Exclusive: hopes testing can begin in 2021 on product intended to free people of need for insulin injections

www.theguardian.com

 

[mikeyB]

The £31,000 cost is a bit eye watering, but how long can it last? That's one aspect that will influence NICE approval. And just how much insulin can be produced from a microscopic unit?

I'll believe it when I see it, though it would fun to volunteer for the trials.

 

[Inka]

I remember reading about this early this year. It does sound exciting because of the different approach. It’ll be very interesting to see how it works in human trials.

Are they still sourcing the beta cells from human donors? If they can use engineered beta cells, it might be more readily available.

I’d also like to know what additional meds it needs eg immune-suppressants.

 

[nonethewiser]

Happy to be Guinea Pig.