Activated Islet Progenitor Cells

Activated Islet Progenitor Cells are a proprietary human islet- and pancreatic tissue–derived endocrine progenitor cell population developed by Imagine Pharma that can be expanded ex vivo and mature into de novo islet-like clusters capable of secreting insulin and glucagon. Using a defined culture protocol (including the small molecule IMG-1), residual progenitor cells from donor islets or pancreatic biopsies are activated to form proliferative colonies that become a monolayer of triple-positive CD133/insulin/glucagon cells, which subsequently self-organize into de novo islet-like structures with progressive expression of islet maturation markers and sustained insulin release in vitro for at least 16 weeks.[1] These cells are being investigated preclinically as an islet substitute and as a tool to study islet biology and diabetes pathophysiology, with the long-term aim of treating insulin insufficiency in diseases such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes with beta-cell failure, and pancreatitis.[1]

Other names

AIPCsActivated Islet Progenitor Cells