Development of a Stem-Cell Derived Islet Replacement Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

ViaCyte Inc. is a clinical stage company developing a stem cell-based islet replacement therapy for treatment of patients with diabetes. The therapy is a combination product comprised of pancreatic endoderm cells encapsulated within a retrievable delivery device, ENCAPTRA^® Drug Delivery System. After implantation, encapsulated progenitor cells differentiate into glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting cells. The renewable starting material for cell product manufacturing is human embryonic stem cells that are directed to differentiate to the pancreatic endoderm cell product using scalable processes. The bio-stable delivery device is designed to fully contain cells and to protect cells from immune attack, with the goal of eliminating the need for immunosuppressant drugs.

Funding in part from California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; SP1-06513, DR1-01423, TR1-01215 and JDRF.