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DRI scientists are urgently working to discover a biological cure for the millions living with diabetes.
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Mouse over an image and click to learn more about how we are finding a biological cure.
The DRI BioHub is a bioengineered "mini organ" that mimics the native pancreas. It contains real insulin-producing cells that can sense blood sugar and release the precise amount of insulin needed - in real time.
Restoring immune system balance to protect insulin-producing cells and prevent the recurrence of the autoimmune process, which mistakenly destroys a person's own cells.
Indentifying, developing and/or regenerating a limitless supply of cells to sense glucose levels and produce insulin.
Protective barriers that conform to the individual size and shape of each islet and allow the free flow of nutrients, glucose and insulin while screening out harmful immune system cells.
Three dimensional structure provides spacing and a physical site, similar to the native pancreas, that can be monitored and modified, and retrieved, if necessary.
Oxygen-generating materials provide the critical oxygen needed until new blood vessels grow.
Local delivery of low-dose drugs directly into the site can reduce inflammation and protect islets from an immune attack, with the goal of eliminating systemic anti-rejection drugs.
Certain cells in the body that have beneficial properties can be added to help promote long-term islet survival.
Advancing promising research and moving cutting-edge therapies to patients.
A cure would mean restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks.
DRI clinical trials are already dramatically improving the lives of people with type 1 diabetes who are now living insulin free.
As we continue to develop the DRI BioHub, a ‘mini-organ’ delivering insulin in real time, we are working to eliminate the need for anti rejection drugs, block autoimmunity, and create more insulin-producing cells. But continuing this research is only possible with your support.
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