A new experimental device designed to help those with Type 1 diabetes, as previously reported by HNGN, is currently being tested on humans, according to CTV News. The device is being funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and seeks to eliminate the need for patients taking daily insulin injections.
The Encaptra drug delivery system is a small capsule that is implanted under the skin located near the pancreas. The capsule contains stem cells that have been programmed to evolve into specific pancreas cells that help regulate blood sugar, thus helping patients achieve the blood levels that they need without insulin shots.
"The hope is that this will provide people with an alternate source of insulin," said Dave Prowten, president of JDRF Canada.
The development of Encaptra stems from a study that was published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine in June. The recent human testing will reveal the longevity and safety of the device as well as its effectiveness at replacing insulin production in the pancreases of those with diabetes. Scientists are hoping that the device will be able to last for at least a year until it needs replacement.
Despite the recent advancements in treating Type 1 diabetes, the issue of obesity still clouds treatment efforts for Type 2, according to Bio World.
