islet cell transplant + alemtuzumab

A cell-based therapy protocol for type 1 diabetes mellitus involving the transplantation of purified allogeneic pancreatic islet cells. This specific approach, evaluated in Phase 3 trials at Northwestern University, utilizes alemtuzumab (a humanized monoclonal antibody) for induction immunosuppression. Alemtuzumab targets the CD52 antigen on lymphocytes, leading to profound T-cell depletion to prevent the autoimmune and alloimmune destruction of the transplanted islets. The transplanted islets, infused into the portal vein, contain functional beta cells that restore endogenous insulin secretion and improve glycemic stability in patients with severe hypoglycemia unawareness and frequent hypoglycemic events.

Other names

Islet transplantation with alemtuzumab inductionCIT-07 protocolCIT07 protocolCIT 07 protocolCampath-induced islet transplantationNorthwestern University islet transplant protocol