Researchers from MIT in the United States, and a separate collaboration between researchers in Israel and the United States, have developed distinct implantable devices designed to provide long-term control of diabetes by delivering insulin-producing cells. Both approaches aim to eliminate the need for daily insulin injections and continuous external monitoring, while addressing challenges such as immune rejection and cell survival. Studies on these devices have demonstrated functionality and blood sugar regulation in animal models, with goals to extend their operational lifespan and explore applications for other chronic conditions.
Both approaches aim to eliminate the need for daily insulin injections and continuous external monitoring, while addressing challenges such as immune rejection and cell survival.
MIT's Oxygen-Generating Implant
Device Overview
MIT researchers have developed an implantable device that encapsulates insulin-producing cells, shielding them from the body's immune system. This device also incorporates an on-board oxygen generator to sustain cell health, a critical factor for the long-term viability of encapsulated cells. The research, published in the journal Device, details an objective to enable the benefits of cell therapy for patients without requiring immune-suppressive drugs, which are typically needed for traditional islet cell transplantation.
Enhanced Design and Power
A previous version of the MIT device, featuring an oxygen generator that splits water vapor into oxygen, was reported in 2023. The latest study enhanced the device's lifespan beyond its initial one-month period through improved waterproofing and increased resilience to cracking. The electronics powering the oxygen generator were optimized to deliver more power, thereby increasing oxygen production. This generator is wirelessly powered by an external antenna.
Promising Results and Future Goals
Studies in mice and rats demonstrated that the encapsulated pancreatic islet cells within the device could survive and remain functional for at least 90 days post-implantation. During this period, the cells produced sufficient insulin to regulate the animals' blood sugar levels. Similar results were observed with islet cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Researchers intend to extend the device's operational lifespan to two years or more and are exploring its potential to deliver other therapeutic proteins, such as antibodies or enzymes, for continuous in-body drug production.
Israel-U.S. Living Artificial Pancreas
Autonomous Insulin Delivery System
Separately, researchers in Israel and the United States have developed a living implant described as an "artificial pancreas." This cell-based system is designed to continuously monitor blood sugar levels and autonomously produce and release precise amounts of insulin without requiring external pumps or patient monitoring. The Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) announced this development, with the study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Immune Protection
A significant aspect of this development is the engineering of a "crystalline shield" designed to protect the implant from immune system rejection, thereby allowing for long-term function within the body.
Demonstrated Efficacy and Broader Applications
The technology has demonstrated long-term glucose control in mice. Furthermore, the implant has shown survival within non-human primates. Researchers indicate that this platform could be adapted to treat other chronic conditions, including hemophilia or other genetic and metabolic diseases, by modifying the cells to deliver different therapeutic proteins. Successful human trials would mark a transition from manual drug administration to a self-regulating, "living therapy."