allogeneic pancreatic islet cells (Diabetes Research Institute)

Allogeneic pancreatic islet cells are an investigational cell therapy product consisting of purified islets of Langerhans isolated from a deceased donor's pancreas. In the clinical research program led by Dr. Rodolfo Alejandro at the University of Miami's Diabetes Research Institute, these islets are transplanted into patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) via intraportal infusion. The therapy aims to restore endogenous insulin production and achieve glycemic control, potentially eliminating the need for exogenous insulin and preventing severe hypoglycemic episodes. The specific protocols evaluated by Alejandro's team often utilize steroid-free immunosuppression (such as daclizumab, sirolimus, and tacrolimus) and investigate the use of biological adjuncts like TNF-alpha inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide) to mitigate the inflammatory response and promote islet engraftment and long-term survival.

Other names

isletsislet cell transplantationpancreatic islet cellsMiami Protocol islets