PharmaGossip

Results from a recent study indicate that islet cells from the pancreases of pigs may help cure diabetes in humans. At the University of Minnesota, researchers have successfully implanted the islet cells from pigs into monkeys that have diabetes. This has been hailed as a major step in creating a widespread cure for diabetes in humans.

Currently, there are only a few thousand human pancreases that are donated each year in the U.S. Thus, far too few pancreases are available to cure the disease in millions of people that have diabetes. Pig islets have been tested because they would provide a nearly endless supply of islet cells. The test in these monkeys is promising.

Before getting too excited, there are several things to keep in mind. First, researchers do not plan on trying this surgery on humans for at least three years. Further, immunosuppressive drugs would likely still be required.

It’s hard to see these studies and then know that I’m going to be required to wait patiently for at least five years (probably even longer). Nevertheless, it’s exciting to see progress.

Thank you to everyone who has been helped me with my ride preparation. I still have a long way to go, but I greatly appreciate everyone’s support of my upcoming Century Challenge ride.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation changes millions of lives, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to their cause. Even with diabetes, though, we must not let the disease hold us down.

Please contribute to JDRF’s mission (to support my ride, type “Tyler Wolf”). All proceeds from the event go to research for a diabetes cure.