Improving islet transplantation for Type 1 diabetes management
Official title: Vascularized NICHE with local immunosuppression for cell replacement for Type 1 diabetes
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11088221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to improve islet transplants for people with Type 1 diabetes by using a special system that helps protect the transplanted cells and reduces the need for strong medications, which could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for managing diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $754,051 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133610-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Type 1 diabetes who may benefit from islet transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Type 1 diabetes or those who are not candidates for islet transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance islet transplantation for patients with Type 1 diabetes by developing a vascularized encapsulation system called the NICHE. This system aims to provide a supportive environment for transplanted cells while delivering immunosuppressants locally to prevent immune rejection, thereby reducing the need for systemic immunosuppression and its associated risks. The study will involve testing this innovative method in nonhuman primates to assess its effectiveness in maintaining long-term cell viability and restoring normal blood sugar levels. Patients may benefit from a more effective and safer treatment option for managing their diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for Type 1 diabetes, potentially reducing the need for lifelong immunosuppression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches to improve islet transplantation, but this specific method is innovative and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grattoni, Alessandro — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Grattoni, Alessandro
Related research
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Vascularized niche with local immune protection to transplant insulin-producing cells for Type 1 diabetes
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Improving islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes with local immunosuppression
This study is exploring a new way to help people with type 1 diabetes by using a special device called the NICHE that supports transplanted islet cells, aiming to improve their success and help keep blood sugar levels stable.
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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.