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When insulin-producing islet cells are transplanted, the recipient's immune system tries to attack them. To prevent the attack, the recipient is given drugs which suppress the immune system.
But these "immunosuppressants" -- commonly known as "anti-rejection" drugs -- can cause harmful side effects.
So, the DRI's Drug Discovery Program is developing therapies to control the immune attack on islets without causing harmful side effects.
Directing the program is Peter Buchwald, Ph.D., an expert in the physicochemical and metabolic aspects of drug design and processes and computer-aided quantitative modeling.
Dr. Buchwald and his team are focusing on two areas:
>> The Potential of Small Molecules
Using small molecules to block the immune attack against islet cells, while leaving the rest of the immune system alone.
>> Local Drug Delivery
Using immunosuppressants only where the transplanted islets are placed -- and not throughout the recipient's entire system.
>> Listen to podcast featuring Peter Buchwald, Ph.D.
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Peter Buchwald, Ph,D., Director of the Drug Discovery Program, talks about his program's two areas of focus.
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