human pancreatic islet transplantation (intraocular)

This experimental cell therapy involves the transplantation of isolated human pancreatic islets into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Developed by Dr. Midhat H. Abdulreda at the University of Miami's Diabetes Research Institute in collaboration with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the approach utilizes the ACE as an immune-privileged site with high oxygen tension, which supports the survival of insulin-producing beta cells and allows for non-invasive monitoring of the graft. The therapy aims to restore endogenous insulin production and physiological glycemic control. In clinical evaluation (NCT02846571), the procedure involves a single infusion of 1000-3000 Islet Equivalents (IEQ) per kg of body weight into the eye, supplemented by localized maintenance immunosuppression via topical eye drops.

Other names

intraocular islet transplantationislet transplantation into the anterior chamber of the eyeACE islet transplantationPancreatic Islet Transplantation Into the Anterior Chamber of the Eye