Encapsulated islet transplants to restore natural insulin in type 1 diabetes
Conformal islet encapsulation for transplantation at vascularized sites to allow physiological insulin secretion
A protective, thin coating for transplanted insulin-producing cells aims to let people with type 1 diabetes make insulin naturally without lifelong immune-suppressing drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285493 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops a conformal, permselective coating for donor insulin-producing islet cells and places them at well-blooded sites in the body so they can sense glucose and release insulin naturally. The coating is designed to shield the cells from immune attack while still letting oxygen, nutrients, and insulin pass through. Researchers test the coated islets in lab and animal models and optimize materials and transplant sites to support long-term function. The goal is a safer form of cell replacement that could avoid chronic systemic immunosuppression for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes who have little or no remaining insulin production and who are potential candidates for islet replacement, especially those with severe blood sugar swings or hypoglycemia unawareness.
Not a fit: People with type 2 diabetes, those who still make adequate insulin, or patients who cannot undergo transplantation or related procedures are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: May allow people with type 1 diabetes to regain physiological insulin production without lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Whole-organ and islet transplants have restored insulin in some patients but require immune suppression, and encapsulation approaches have shown promise in lab and animal studies but are not yet a widely proven clinical cure.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomei, Alice — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tomei, Alice
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.