LCT investigates possible prevention of Type 1 diabetes
Living Cell Technologies announced today that early stage research of its NeurotrophinCell (NtCell) product may hold the potential to prevent or delay the onset of Type I diabetes.
The study involved injecting choroid plexus cells from neo-natal pigs encapsulated in alginate into the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of Type 1 diabetes. The cell product was effective in protecting insulin secreting beta cells and preventing the onset of diabetes.
The NtCell product secretes a range of neurotrophins or protective proteins that are responsible for repair and protection of cells. In two proof of principle studies, the incidence of diabetes was decreased in NOD mice treated with encapsulated choroid plexus implantations (23%,27%) compared with controls (50%,53%) and in those that became diabetic, the onset of disease was delayed.
“These are exciting early stage results that warrant further investigation with the potential to be a novel and minimally invasive means of preventing Type 1 diabetes,” said Prof Bob Elliott, LCT’s Medical Director.
This encouraging discovery has grown out of the work LCT has been pioneering in the treatment of degenerative neurological diseases, such as Huntington’s disease. LCT’s NtCell product has previously demonstrated in small animal and non-human primate models that the neurotrophins and other factors secreted by choroid plexus cells have a protective effect.
The severe form of diabetes requiring daily insulin injections is first recognised by the destruction of nerve cells that surround clusters of insulin cells. The rationale for LCT’s patented treatment method is that by protecting these nerve cells surrounding the insulin cells, it may be possible to provide a preventative therapy for Type 1 diabetes.
There are currently no prevention therapies available for people at risk of Type I diabetes.
“This adds an exciting additional element to LCT’s discovery program and is another example of the therapeutic effects of LCT’s NtCell product in treating a range of degenerative and autoimmune diseases,” Prof Elliott said.
While the study is still at a very early stage, the initial indications are positive and will form part of LCT’s future product development plans.
Living Cell Technologies Ltd develop live cell therapy products to treat life threatening human diseases such as Huntington’s disease, insulin-dependent diabetes and haemophilia. The ASX listed, company operates globally through offices in NZ, Australia & USA.
