Injectable hydrogel devices to protect transplanted insulin-producing cells
Hydrogel injection molded islet macroencapsulation devices to treat diabetes in a non-human primate model
['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · IMMUNOSHIELD THERAPEUTICS INC. · NIH-11183246
Researchers are developing an injectable hydrogel device to shield transplanted insulin-making cells so people with type 1 diabetes might reduce or stop daily insulin injections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IMMUNOSHIELD THERAPEUTICS INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHANDLER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11183246 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project builds a soft, non-degradable hydrogel 'macroencapsulation' device that holds insulin-producing islet cells and keeps them separated from the immune system. The device is made by injection molding to create thin, high surface-area shapes that let oxygen reach the cells and support long-term survival. Investigators are testing these devices in a non-human primate model to see whether transplanted cells can function without chronic immunosuppressive drugs and whether the device can be safely retrieved if needed. The aim is to make cell-based insulin replacement safer and more accessible than current islet transplants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with type 1 diabetes who are candidates for islet or other cell-based transplantation would be the ideal group for this approach.
Not a fit: This work would not directly help people without insulin-dependent diabetes or those who are not eligible for cell transplantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow people with type 1 diabetes to receive cell transplants that produce insulin without lifelong immune-suppressing drugs, lowering daily insulin needs and complication risk.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical islet transplants have helped some patients but require heavy immunosuppression, and while macroencapsulation has shown promise in preclinical studies, it has had limited success so far in human use.
Where this research is happening
CHANDLER, UNITED STATES
- IMMUNOSHIELD THERAPEUTICS INC. — CHANDLER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BECKER, MATTHEW — IMMUNOSHIELD THERAPEUTICS INC.
- Study coordinator: BECKER, MATTHEW
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.