Yesterday, Living Cell Technologies announced the successful first implant of its DIABECELL® in Auckland.
This is the first of 8 such implants to be carried out in New Zealand as part of clinical trials for the treatment, which has been designed to normalise the blood sugar levels of people with type I diabetes. It makes uses of specially-encapsulated insulin-producing cells from pigs, meaning that the drugs which suppress the immune system and prevent rejection aren’t necessary.
The SMC conducted a briefing earlier this year on the trials, which can be listened to here.
News coverage:
TVNZ: Pig cell transplant at Middlemore Hospital
Radio New Zealand: First pig cell transplant completed in NZ trial