The Technology
Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (DM2) is a heterogeneous, polygenic disorder characterized by defects in insulin action in tissues (insulin resistance) and defects in pancreatic insulin secretion (beta cell/dysfunction), or loss of function of pancreatic insulin-secreting cells. Diabetes if not properly treated is associated with severe complications, disability, and shortened life expectancy. The invention overcomes peripheral tissue insulin resistance, using engineered muscle tissue, grafted with biodegradable scaffolds, that is capable of higher glucose uptake and beneficially affecting whole body glucose homeostasis. Specifically, muscle cells are genetically modified to over-express the insulin-responsive glucose transporter type 4 – GLUT4. The GLUT’s are a family of protein transporters that following insulin stimulation mediate glucose uptake in eukaryotic cells. GLUT4 is the main glucose transporter regulating glucose entry from the blood into adipose and muscle tissues.
Advantages
- A cure-oriented system, providing diabetic patients with long-term normalization of plasma glucose levels devoid of medications.
- Applied using the patient’s own cells, thus overcoming the barrier of rejection associated with donor graft transplantation.
Applications and Opportunities
- Could be used for implantation in DM2 and DM1 patients
Business Development Contacts