Posted on 08/31/2014 1:18:08 PM PDT by nickcarraway
I know this is a loaded and extremely controversial topic but there’s been a big break in the diabetes world. I thought it needed to be shared because no matter how you feel, it’s a big deal! ViaCyte Inc. has been given FDA approval to begin clinical trials on beta cell encapsulation.
You may be wondering why this is a big deal. You see, in Type 1 diabetes the body’s own immune system attacks beta cells found in the pancreas. These beta cells produce insulin and the attack makes them unable to do that. Because the body can no longer make its own insulin, the person must get insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Without a working pancreas, the person must work endlessly to control blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled levels can cause devastating effects such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, other complications and even death.
If only there were some way to get working beta cells into type 1 diabetics and not have the body’s immune system attack them. Well, now there just might be. ViaCyte is creating beta cells out of stem cells. They then put them in a cover that allows the produced insulin to get through it and enter the bloodstream. This cover allows the insulin to get through, but its pores are small enough to screen out components of the immune system that could attack the cells.
The encapsulated beta cells would be implanted in the body and would allow people to live as if they did not have diabetes for up to 24 months! Twenty four months without thinking about this disease…I can’t even imagine 24 minutes!
There’s so much hope riding on this trial. Since the day I was diagnosed nearly 28 years ago, my parents and I have been hearing that a cure is “right around the corner.” After hearing this and seeing no results time after time, you start to seriously doubt it. I can’t describe how exciting it is to see something finally make it to clinical trials that could actually make diabetes disappear for awhile.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m oh so grateful for the advances in technology that I’ve seen throughout my years. They’ve definitely made diabetes more manageable allowing people to have happier, longer lives. This however isn’t something that will make the disease easier; it’s something that will make the disease disappear! And it’s something I’ve been dreaming about for nearly 28 years!
I would ping my brother, if the VA hadn’t killed him. Maybe this will be the cure he was hoping for.
I’ll reserve the decision whether to jump up and down with joy until I know where they’re getting the stem cells.
I’m so sorry.
Interesting development. Hope the trials show as much promise
Thanx.
Im type II. I signed on to a diabetes ping list, guess not yours.
If you run a list please include me.
Thanx.
The law of Unintended Consequences says that someone will hide malignant stuff inside that type of sheath.
“You may be wondering why this is a big deal.”
Sounds kind of Glenn Beck’ish...and that’s when I stop reading the article. I think most informed people do not “wonder why (curing Type 1) would be a big deal”.
I’ll wait around for a credible source to say the same.
Not saying that's a bad thing, just sayin'...
They are embryonic stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells are so 2004. The use of adult stem cells have come so far in the last ten years that the “need” for embryonic cells has dropped dramatically.
Could you provide your source for saying they're using embryonic stem cells please?
Nevertheless, a Market Watch article about this states: "ViaCyte's lead product candidate, the VC-01 combination product, is based on the production of pancreatic progenitor cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells." link
My youngest son has Type 1 diabetes, which, should this ever become an actual treatment, presents us with quite the moral dilemma.
Thanks 2ID.
I believe this answers the question. http://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/abstract/S1934-5909%2814%2900007-1 .
If I understand correctly, they tested this procedure on mice, using stem cells from each mouse’s own skin. They developed a process to alter the stem cells to mimic some of the properties of embryonic stem cells, without the negative side effects.
I don’t think they use any embryonic stem cells.
For awhile there was a constant drumbeat from the liberals about ESRC, but now we hear nothing. That’s probably because of advancements in using adult stem cells.
Do a search on the company along with “diabetes” and “embryonic.” There are several articles. I find it interesting that the company is a recipient of that huge pile of money that California earmarked for ESCR.
Oops. This is a different company. According to their own website, they are using embryonic stem cells. http://viacyte.com/products/vc-01-diabetes-therapy/
:-(
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