MicroIslets

MicroIslets was a biotechnology company focused on developing a cell-based therapy for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes. The company's core technology involved the encapsulation of islet cells in a biocompatible alginate gel, creating 'MicroIslets' that could be transplanted into patients without the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs. This platform was designed to protect porcine or human islet cells from immune rejection while allowing for the diffusion of glucose and insulin. Despite reaching the pre-clinical and early clinical planning stages, the company faced severe financial constraints and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008. Its intellectual property and related assets were subsequently acquired by Islet Sciences in 2012 to be integrated into their diabetes pipeline.