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New research has emerged showing that a stem cell-derived therapy may be able to treat the most common, and deadliest, form of liver cancer.

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have developed a therapy using natural killer (NK) cells derived from stem cells to help combat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) – a highly treatment resistant tumour. [1]

While not yet studied in patients, it’s hoped that the therapy (which was tested both in vitro against HCC cell lines and in vivo in a mouse model) will be influential in future trials for treating HCC, and other solid tumours.

How does the stem cell therapy work?

Like other tumour cells, hepatocellular carcinoma cells inhibit the body’s immune cells from attacking them.

By creating this immunosuppressive environment, the tumour effectively prevents itself from being targeted by the body’s immune system, allowing it to propagate and spread.

This makes developing treatment for solid tumours difficult. Immunotherapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T-cells tend to be rather ineffective in combating solid tumours like HCC, rather than other forms of cancer, like blood cancers, for this reason. [2]

In order to make an effective therapy, the team of researchers realised that they had to prevent the HCC tumour from being able to create the immunosuppressive environment in the first place.

To do this, they engineered NK cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells and disabled their receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a protein that suppresses immune function and is abundant in HCC tumours.

Their findings showed that these modified NK cells had significantly better anti-tumor activity and improved survival rates in preclinical models than NK cells without the genetic modification. [3]

What impact will this liver cancer therapy have?

Being able to derive NK cells from induced pluripotent stem cells means that the new HCC therapy is an ‘off-the-shelf’ therapy, according to the researchers.

Unlike CAR T-cell therapy, which is a highly personalised immunotherapy, the genetically modified NK cell therapy could theoretically be mass produced, say the UCSD team.

This means the therapy could vastly improve not just the effectiveness of treatment outcomes, but could also potentially streamline the treatment process for patients.

Furthermore, the researchers’ findings suggest that the genetic disabling of the TGF-β receptor could be effective in treating other types of solid tumour which, like HCC, create immunosuppressive environments.

The team anticipate that future clinical trials will build upon their research, taking their findings and applying them in the development of both NK cell and CAR-T cell therapies for a range of solid tumours.

Regenerative medicine and cord blood banking

Research like this highlights the importance of stem cells in driving future medical breakthroughs.

Much like the induced pluripotent stem cells in this study, the stem cells in your baby’s umbilical cord blood are able to differentiate into a range of cell types, including NK cells. [4]

Saving these stem cells for your baby provides them with the best chance of accessing more of the cutting edge therapies of the future.

By saving their stem cells, you can be secure in the knowledge that they’ll always have cells from their own perfect donor match available: themselves.

To find out more about saving stem cells for your baby fill out the form below to request your FREE Welcome Pack.

References

[1] University of California – San Diego. “Stem cell-derived therapy shows promise against treatment-resistant liver cancer.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 9 July 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240709184232.htm>.

[2] Lionel A. Kankeu Fonkoua, Olivia Sirpilla, Reona Sakemura, Elizabeth L. Siegler, Saad S. Kenderian, CAR T cell therapy and the tumor microenvironment: Current challenges and opportunities, Molecular Therapy – Oncolytics, Volume 25, 2022, Pages 69-77, ISSN 2372-7705, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omto.2022.03.009. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2372770522000511)

[3] Jaya Lakshmi Thangaraj, Michael Coffey, Edith Lopez, Dan S. Kaufman, Disruption of TGF-β signaling pathway is required to mediate effective killing of hepatocellular carcinoma by human iPSC-derived NK cells, Cell Stem Cell, 2024, ISSN 1934-5909, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.009. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1934590924002170)

[4] Zhao, Xiaoyan et al. “Cord-Blood Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Cancer.” Frontiers in immunology vol. 11 584099. 22 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.584099

The results from a new study into treating atopic dermatitis (AD) – the most common form of eczema – suggest that mesenchymal stem cells are effective in combatting AD symptoms.

The phase 1/2 trial, which aimed to treat patients suffering from moderate to severe AD symptoms, utilised human bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells (hcMSCs) which were delivered to patients via infusion.

Researchers believe that this treatment method is highly promising in improving symptoms of the chronic condition, which is estimated to affect approximately 2.6% of the population (204 million people) worldwide. [1]

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, cracked, and itchy.

The most common form of eczema in children, atopic dermatitis is a long term condition which can also arise for the first time during adulthood.

The exact causes of AD remain unknown, though it’s thought that it may run in families.

Environmental factors such as the use of certain soaps and cleaning products, the weather, and stress have been shown to be triggers for AD flare ups, and those who suffer from AD often also suffer from hay-fever and asthma.

Current treatment options for AD are limited, with the majority focusing on the alleviation or management of symptoms. Self-care practices, such as avoiding triggers and trying not to scratch, along with the use of moisturisers (emollients) and topical medicines are most commonly recommended to help combat AD symptoms. [2]

In many cases, AD often improves over time, but the current lack of effective treatment options, in addition to the widespread prevalence of the condition and its impact on sufferers’ quality of life, means that finding new ways to combat AD is imperative.

What did the new study find?

The study was conducted in two phases.

Phase 1

This phase saw 20 patients receive high and low doses of hcMSCs via infusions every two weeks.
Both high-dose and low-dose application was effective, with 67-70% of both groups displaying a 50% improvement in symptoms.

Phase 2

Phase 2 expanded to 72 patients, half of whom were given the low-dose, and the other half a placebo, with some interesting results:

58% of patients who had the low-dose experienced over 50% improvement in symptoms compared to the placebo group, of which only 32% experienced a similar improvement.
Further yet, 24% of patients who had the low-dose even saw improvements of over 90% in their symptoms thanks to the treatment, compared to only 6% from the placebo group.

Overall, the results of the trial suggest that low doses of hcMSCs can dramatically improve symptoms of AD in sufferers whose condition is moderate to severe. [3]

How does the treatment work?

Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to regulate the immune system. They interact with various immune cells and help reduce inflammation. Previous studies have shown these cells can lower inflammation in conditions like pancreatitis and improve symptoms in animal models of AD. [4] [5] [6] [7]

In this study, researchers hoped to build upon these previous findings by using mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow in order to help with the immunomodulation necessary for improving AD symptoms.

What’s next for the new AD treatment?

While these results are promising, larger studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of this treatment. However, this research opens up an exciting new avenue for eczema treatment that could significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Cord blood banking and mesenchymal stem cells

The mesenchymal stem cells used in this study come from bone marrow, but they can also be found in a baby’s umbilical cord.

In 2017, a trial showed that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood could effectively treat moderate to severe AD. [8]

These mesenchymal stem cells can become various types of specialised cells, from muscle tissue to nerve cells, making them ideal for regenerative therapies.

By saving these stem cells at birth, you can provide your child with access to future advanced treatments.

To learn more, fill out the form below to receive a free Welcome Pack. This pack will explain how stem cell collection works, the benefits of storing stem cells, and current treatments using stem cells. It only takes a moment, but it could be the best decision you make for your child’s future.

References

[1] A study about how many people around the world have atopic dermatitis, British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 190, Issue 1, January 2024, Page e6, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljad462

[2] (2023, November 11). Overview: Atopic eczema. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/

[3] Hebebrand, M. (2024, July 8). Promising Phase 1/2 Trial Results of Stem Cells for AD. Dermatology Times. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/promising-phase-1-2-trial-results-of-stem-cells-for-ad

[4] Hyun-Min Seo, et al. Phase 1/2 trials of human bone marrow–derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology,2024,ISSN 0091-6749, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2024.06.013. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674924006377 )

[5] Il Sang Shin, et al., Human Bone Marrow–derived Clonal Mesenchymal Stem Cells Decrease the Initial C-Reactive Protein Level in Patients With Moderately Severe to Severe Acute Pancreatitis, Gastroenterology, Volume 164, Issue 7, 2023, Pages 1317-1320.e2, ISSN 0016-5085, https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2023.02.009. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016508523001439)

[6] Na, K., Yoo, H., Zhang, Y. et al. Bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells inhibit ovalbumin-induced atopic dermatitis. Cell Death Dis 5, e1345 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/cddis.2014.299

[7] Song, Jy., Kang, H.J., Ju, H.M. et al. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell extracts ameliorate atopic dermatitis in mice by reducing the T cell responses. Sci Rep 9, 6623 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42964-7

[8] Hyung-Sik Kim, Ji Hyun Lee, Kyoung-Hwan Roh, Hee Jin Jun, Kyung-Sun Kang, Tae-Yoon Kim, Clinical Trial of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Stem Cells for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Phase I/IIa Studies, Stem Cells, Volume 35, Issue 1, January 2017, Pages 248–255, https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.2401

It was announced this month that the results of research into a new stem cell based therapy for Hirschsprung disease – a rare condition affecting bowel movement – were promising.

Conducted by teams from University College London and the University of Sheffield, the research focuses on transplanting stem cell-derived precursor nerve cells into gut tissue. [1]

What is Hirschsprung disease?

Hirschsprung disease is an intestinal condition where an absence of nerves in parts of the intestine means the bowel can’t contract, leaving sufferers of Hirschsprung with difficulty passing stool. This can lead to constipation and, even more worryingly, enterocolitis – a bowel infection causing inflammation and, in some cases, sepsis which can be fatal. [2]

Hirschsprung disease is usually identified within the first few months of birth in newborns but may also be diagnosed later in childhood.

Current treatment options are limited, with surgery an inevitable eventuality in most cases.

Whilst the condition is rare – it’s estimated only 1 in every 5,000 newborns have Hirschsprung disease – the lack of available treatment options makes attempts to formulate an alternative therapy even more pressing for sufferers. [3]

What is the new stem cell therapy and how does it work?

The new therapy being trialed by researchers involves generating nerve cell precursors from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).

Because stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into other specialised cells in the body, they are ideal for regenerating or replacing cells that are lost or damaged through disease.

The researchers at the University of Sheffield isolated and used RNA sequencing to differentiate the stem cells into enteric nervous system (ENS) precursor cells.

These cells were then transferred to UCL, where they were transplanted into prepared gut tissue in the hope that they would integrate and develop into fully fledged nerves. [4]

What were the results of the stem cell transplant?

The team of researchers found that following transplantation of the stem cell-derived nerve precursor cells into gut tissue samples, the transplanted tissue was better able to contract in response to electric stimulation than the control tissue. [5]

This suggests that the transplantation of the stem cell-derived nerve cell precursors into the tissue improved its functionality to the point of counteracting the negative effects of Hirschsprung disease.

Following this success, the researchers will be looking for additional funding to move into the clinical trial stage, where it’s hoped they’ll be able to demonstrate the viability of the therapy in human subjects. [6]

This is just one of many ongoing studies in which the plasticity of stem cells is being harnessed to bring about the next generation of regenerative therapies for conditions ranging from diabetes to stroke, heart disease to cancer.

To find out about how you could safeguard your baby’s access to future medicine by saving their stem cells, fill out the form below to request your free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] Davis, S. (2024, July 1). Important step forward in stem cell therapy for rare bowel disease. University of Sheffield. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/important-step-forward-stem-cell-therapy-rare-bowel-disease

[2] (2024, April 26). Hirschsprung’s Disease. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9844-hirschsprung-disease

[3] Hirschsprung’s Disease. NHS Manchester University. https://mft.nhs.uk/rmch/services/manchester-centre-for-neonatal-surgery/conditions-we-treat-at-mcns/hirschsprungs-disease/

[4] (2024, June 28). Important step forward in stem cell therapy for rare bowel disease. Health Tech World. https://www.htworld.co.uk/news/research-news/important-step-forward-in-stem-cell-therapy-for-rare-bowel-disease/

[5] (2024, June 28). Stem cell therapy shows promise for hirschsprung disease. Open Access Government. https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/stem-cell-therapy-shows-promise-for-hirschsprung-disease/178690/

[6] Jevans B, Cooper F, Fatieieva Y, et alHuman enteric nervous system progenitor transplantation improves functional responses in Hirschsprung disease patient-derived tissueGut Published Online First: 30 May 2024. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331532

The outcome of a recent clinical trial conducted by pharmaceutical company Vertex indicates huge promise for the development of a stem cell cure for type 1 diabetes.

The phase 1/2 study, whose results were presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions this month, found that the infusion of VX-880 – a new stem cell derived therapy – occasioned significant improvements in diabetic patients’ wellbeing. [1]

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that stops the pancreas producing insulin. Insulin is the hormone the body produces to move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells to make energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and leads to hyperglycemia. [2]

Complications from hyperglycemia can be severe, affecting major organs like the heart and kidneys. Glucose build up can also damage nerves, as well as the blood vessels in the eyes which can result in blindness. [3]

Those who have type 1 diabetes are required to take insulin everyday, either with meals or at regular intervals, a process which can drastically alter lifestyle habits as well as quality of life. [4]

There is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes and its root causes are unknown, although many believe the condition to be the result of either genetics or environmental factors like exposure to viruses.

According to Diabetes UK, around 1 in 10 people have type 1 diabetes. [5]

What were the results of the trial?

12 patients volunteered for the trial, all with type 1 diabetes and average haemoglobin A1C levels of 7.8%, a level that verges on risks from diabetic complications.

A1C levels measure the amount of haemoglobin with attached glucose in the bloodstream. A higher percentage equates to a higher level of glucose. The average A1C level for a non-diabetic is below 5.7%. [6]

The 12 patients underwent an infusion of VX-880, a new therapy containing islet cells – cell clusters that produce insulin in the pancreas – derived from stem cells.

Following the infusion, all patients demonstrated engraftment of the islet cells. By day 90, all patients also demonstrated glucose-responsive insulin production. All patients’ A1C level also dropped below 7%.

Out of 12 patients who received a full dose of VX-880, seven no longer needed daily insulin injections. Two more patients required about 70% less insulin to manage their blood sugar levels.

These results are incredibly promising and the trial has since been expanded to include 37 patients as research into the effectiveness of VX-880 continues. [7]

What is VX-880 stem cell therapy and how does it work?

VX-880 therapy involves introducing fresh islet cells derived from stem cells into the patient’s body.

Because stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into other specialised cells in the body, they can be reprogrammed to become a specific cell type that can then be used to replace or restore certain cells that may be missing through disease.

The stem cells used in the trial were allogeneic, meaning that they were sourced from a donor and required both a good match in addition to immunosuppressant drugs to prevent them from being rejected by the patients’ immune systems.

The goal is for these new islet cells to restore the ability of the patients’ pancreases to produce insulin, effectively curing the disease and drastically reducing the need for them to have to administer insulin exogenously. [8]

Cord Blood Banking and Stem Cells

Breakthroughs like this underscore the incredible potential stem cells have in treating severe conditions like type 1 diabetes.

Though not yet an approved treatment, clinical trials like this one show that stem cells are at the forefront of developing regenerative therapies for diseases that are currently incurable.

By banking your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells, you can ensure that they have them ready and waiting should they ever need to access one of these regenerative therapies in the future.

To find out more about saving stem cells for your baby, fill out the form below for a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] (2024, June 21). Vertex Announces Positive Results From Ongoing Phase 1/2 Study of VX-880 for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions. Business Wire. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240621506971/en/Vertex-Announces-Positive-Results-From-Ongoing-Phase-12-Study-of-VX-880-for-the-Treatment-of-Type-1-Diabetes-Presented-at-the-American-Diabetes-Association-84th-Scientific-Sessions

[2] Lucier J, Weinstock RS. Type 1 Diabetes. [Updated 2023 Mar 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507713/

[3] (2024, March 27). Type 1 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011

[4] (2021, July 14). What is type 1 diabetes. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/about-type-1-diabetes/what-is-type-1-diabetes/

[5] Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-1

[6] The A1C Test & Diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test/

[7] (2024, June 21). Vertex Announces Positive Results From Ongoing Phase 1/2 Study of VX-880 for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions. Business Wire. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240621506971/en/Vertex-Announces-Positive-Results-From-Ongoing-Phase-12-Study-of-VX-880-for-the-Treatment-of-Type-1-Diabetes-Presented-at-the-American-Diabetes-Association-84th-Scientific-Sessions

[8] (2024, June 25). Stem Cell Therapy Could Be Breakthrough Against Type 1 Diabetes. U.S. News. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-06-25/stem-cell-therapy-could-be-breakthrough-against-type-1-diabetes#:~:text=June%2025%2C%202024%2C%20at%206%3A00%20a.m.&text=TUESDAY%2C%20June%2025%2C%202024%20(,early%20clinical%20trial%20results%20show.

This year’s World Sickle Cell Day is on the 19th June, a day to recognise and raise awareness of the disease, the millions around the world who suffer from it, and ongoing research into how treatment is advancing.

With this year’s theme being ‘we are STRONGER TOGETHER’, we thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight how cord blood transplants between siblings have emerged as a viable treatment alternative for those suffering from the condition.

Making use of sibling cord blood necessitates having it in storage and so in celebration of World Sickle Cell day, we wanted to highlight how cord blood banking could provide a lifeline for those suffering from the disease, as well as how storing cord blood for your baby could help safeguard the health of your family.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited blood disorders that are passed down from parents to children.

Particularly common amongst those who have African or Caribbean heritage, sickle cell disease inhibits the haemoglobin in red blood cells from carrying oxygen.

This can lead to the red blood cells in those with the condition to become misshapen, inflexible and liable to sticking together and blocking blood flow, causing tremendous pain – known as sickle cell crises – in addition to an increased risk of stroke, lung problems, eye problems and infection.

The disease gets its name from the shape of the red blood cells affected by the condition: crescent or ‘sickle’ shaped rather than discoid. [1]

What treatments are available for sickle cell disease?

Currently, treatments for sickle cell disease focus primarily on the alleviation of symptoms.

While there have been significant steps forward in recent years, including the development of the Casgevy therapy which utilises genetically engineered bone marrow stem cells from the patients themselves in lieu of a donor transplant, medicines like antibiotics and painkillers remain the most prevalent way of combating sickle cell.

There is only one known cure for sickle cell disease: a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. In these treatments, healthy red blood cells are produced by the donated stem cells, replacing the ones that are affected by sickle cell. [2]

However, difficulty in locating an unrelated donor match, in addition to the risks posed by graft-versus-host disease, hinders the ready availability of transplantation as a treatment option.

The benefits of cord blood banking for sickle cell disease

Within the last decade, sibling cord blood transplants have emerged as a viable alternative to bone marrow transplants as a treatment option for sickle cell disease.

A comprehensive study in 2017 following the success rates of sibling cord blood transplants over a period of 20 years found that of the 28 patients with sickle cell who received cord blood from a sibling, all but one are both alive and free from sickle cell disease. [3]

With a reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease, in addition to a 25% chance of a perfect match and a 50% chance of a partial match, using the stem cells from a sibling’s umbilical cord blood alleviates many of the current obstacles to obtaining a transplant to treat sickle cell disease.

Moreover, because of the way sickle cell is passed down between parents and children, if one child is born with sickle cell disease then there’s a 75% chance that a subsequent child will not have the disease, making a cord blood transplant between siblings possible. [4]

Should I store my baby’s cord blood?

Underlying the breakthroughs in treating sickle cell through a sibling cord blood transplant is one crucial detail: whether or not that sibling has cord blood samples in storage. There’s only one opportunity to save their cord blood: in the minutes after they’re born.

Without cord blood samples in storage, availability to stem cell transplant treatments for sickle cell, and other blood or inherited conditions, becomes more difficult as it’s harder to find a suitable match.

Ensuring that you save cord blood for every child maximises opportunities for treatment, particularly in instances where a sibling transplant could provide a cure for conditions requiring an HLA match, like sickle cell disease.

Additionally, with the emergence of the aforementioned Casgevy therapy and ongoing trials exploring the possibility for autologous stem cell treatments for sickle cell disease, saving your baby’s stem cells means that they have improved access to cutting edge therapies using their own cord blood samples. [5]

Storing cord blood for every child is the only way to ensure that they have improved access to the benefits of cord blood banking.

If you want to learn more about how storing cord blood for your baby could provide protection for their health and the health of their siblings, fill out the form below for a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] (2024, April 22). What Is Sickle Cell Disease? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease

[2] (2022, November 30). Overview: Sickle Cell Disease. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/

[3] Rafii, Hanadi et al. “Family cord blood banking for sickle cell disease: a twenty-year experience in two dedicated public cord blood banks.” Haematologica vol. 102,6 (2017): 976-983. doi:10.3324/haematol.2016.163055

[4] Autosomal Recessive: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs Disease. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=P02142&ContentTypeID=90

[5] (2024, March 19). Clinical Study of BRL-101 in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease. ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06287099

The results of a new study have found that patients who had undergone an organ transplant were able to wean themselves off anti-rejection drugs with the help of stem cells. [1]

What are anti-rejection drugs and why are they taken?

Tolerance is the holy grail of organ transplantation, the name for the body accepting the donated organ without the immune system believing it to be a foreign body and attacking it.

Currently, however, patients who undergo organ transplants are required to take immunosuppressant drugs in order to prevent what’s known as organ ‘rejection’. [2]

These drugs have to be taken for life and come with a range of unfavourable side effects, including increased exposure to infection and cancer, as well as risking damage to the donated organ.

How does the stem cell treatment work?

By transferring stem cells from the donor to the patient receiving the donated organ – in this case, a kidney – researchers in the trial hoped to induce ‘mixed chimerism’, a phenomenon whereby the organ recipient’s immune system becomes a hybrid composed of their own and their donor’s cells. [3]

Once this is achieved, the transplanted organ theoretically remains free from attack as the body no longer considers it to be ‘foreign’.

We covered a similar instance of stem cells being used to reprogramme the immune system in our blog about Aditi Shankar, who successfully underwent pioneering treatment to aid with a donated kidney last year. You can read more about Aditi’s story here.

What did the study find?

What the study found, the results of which were presented at the American Transplant Congress in Philadelphia, was that in 16 out of 19 cases, organ donor recipients who received stem cells from their HLA matched sibling no longer had to continue taking the immunosuppressant drugs after two years.

Additionally, researchers also noted improved quality of life outcomes for those who successfully underwent the treatment. [4]

What could this mean for future organ donor recipients?

Researchers in the trial are hoping that their findings can eventually result in future organ transplant recipients foregoing the need to take anti-rejection drugs. Not only are these drugs harmful but the damage they cause to the donated organ often leads to failure, resulting in a backlog of transplants. [5]

With the new treatment, any new organ transplants should theoretically be able to last a lifetime, expanding the pool of available organs in the process.

More research is needed to discover whether this treatment is viable for all types of organ transplant, beyond kidneys in this case, in addition to identifying whether the treatment is viable in cases where donated organs have been sourced through donors other than siblings.

Either way, this research is a huge step forward in the long held ambition of achieving tolerance for all organ transplant outcomes.

In this treatment researchers took advantage of the good chances of stem cell matches between siblings. The chance of a perfect stem cell match between full siblings is 1 in 4, with a 50% chance of a partial match. [6]

By saving stem cells for your baby you could not only safeguard their health, but also the health of their siblings.

If you want to know more about how saving stem cells could help protect your baby’s health, fill out your details below for a free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] National Library of Medicine (2024, June 7). Cellular Immunotherapy in Recipients of HLA-matched, Living Donor Kidney Transplants. Clinical Trials.gov. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03363945?cond=Kidney%20Transplantation&term=NCT03363945&distance=50&rank=1

[2] NHS – Blood and Transplant (n.d.). Rejection of a transplanted kidney. Organ Transplantation. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/organ-transplantation/kidney/benefits-and-risks-of-a-kidney-transplant/risks-of-a-kidney-transplant/rejection-of-a-transplanted-kidney/

[3] Sachs, David H et al. “Induction of tolerance through mixed chimerism.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine vol. 4,1 a015529. 1 Jan. 2014, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a015529

[4] Syal, A., M.D., & Herzberg, J. (2024, June 4). Adding stem cells to a kidney transplant could get patients off anti-rejection drugs, trial finds. NBC News. Retrieved June 11, 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/adding-stem-cells-kidney-transplant-get-patients-anti-rejection-drugs-rcna155486

[5] Ruiz, Richard, and Allan D. Kirk. “Long-Term Toxicity of Immunosuppressive Therapy.” Transplantation of the Liver (2015): 1354–1363. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4557-0268-8.00097-X

[6] (2023, January 10). Donating your stem cells to a relative. Anthony Nolan. https://www.anthonynolan.org/patients-and-families/support-parents-family-and-friends/donating-your-stem-cells-a-relative

Researchers in Shanghai have claimed to have achieved the world’s first successful cure for type 2 diabetes using stem cell-derived islet transplantation.

Publishing their findings in the journal Cell Discovery, the team of scientists believe that this new therapy offers hope for the estimated 420 million people living with type 2 diabetes around the world. [1]

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that arises as a result of the body either being unable to produce insulin or being ineffective at using the insulin it produces in order to regulate blood sugar levels. [2]

Those with type 2 diabetes risk developing hyperglycemia, otherwise known as high blood glucose levels, as a result of being unable to metabolise glucose. Hyperglycemia can cause complications over time, including damage to organs.

Current management strategies primarily involve glycemic control through medications including insulin, as well as strict diet management to monitor blood sugar levels, leaving a substantial unmet need for a definitive cure. [3]

How did researchers develop the cure?

Scientists undertook a study centred around a 59-year-old male patient with a 25-year history of type 2 diabetes. Following a kidney transplant in 2017, the patient experienced a decline in pancreatic islet function, necessitating daily multi-dose insulin injections.

To address this challenge, the research team led by Dr. Yin Hao turned to a pioneering stem cell treatment. Utilising the patient’s own endoderm stem cells (EnSCs), they were able to differentiate these stem cells into functional pancreatic islet cells – cells in the pancreas that secrete hormones, including insulin and glucagon, that help regulate blood sugar levels. [4]

Once differentiated, these so-called ‘E-islet cells’ could then be implanted into the patient. [5]

What were the results of the transplant?

In July 2021, the patient underwent the autologous islet cell transplantation. Notably, the patient achieved insulin independence within a mere 11 weeks post-transplantation. Oral medication for diabetes management was gradually reduced and ultimately discontinued a year later.

Follow-up examinations conducted over a prolonged period revealed restored pancreatic function, with the patient no longer requiring exogenous insulin or oral medications.

Additionally, normal kidney function was maintained, suggesting a potential long-term cure for both type 2 diabetes and the underlying complications associated with the initial kidney transplant. [6]

What are the next steps in treating diabetes with stem cells?

This groundbreaking achievement signifies a paradigm shift in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The successful application of stem cell therapy offers a path towards a potential cure, paving the way for further research into the large-scale implementation and long-term efficacy of this novel approach.

While further clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings, this case study undoubtedly sparks hope for a future free from the burden of diabetes.

If you want to learn more about saving stem cells for your baby, download your free Welcome Pack by filling out the form below.

References

[1] WHO (n.d.). Diabetes. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes#tab=tab_1

[2] Watts, M. (2023, December 14). Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/type2-diabetes.html

[3] Chong K, Chang JK-J, Chuang L-M.Recent advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus using new drug therapies. Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2024;40(3):212–20. https://doi.org/10.1002/kjm2.12800220

[4] Wu, J., Li, T., Guo, M. et al. Treating a type 2 diabetic patient with impaired pancreatic islet function by personalized endoderm stem cell-derived islet tissue. Cell Discov 10, 45 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-024-00662-3

[5] Da Silva Xavier, Gabriela. “The Cells of the Islets of Langerhans.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 7,3 54. 12 Mar. 2018, doi:10.3390/jcm7030054

[6] Wu, J., Li, T., Guo, M. et al. Treating a type 2 diabetic patient with impaired pancreatic islet function by personalized endoderm stem cell-derived islet tissue. Cell Discov 10, 45 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-024-00662-3

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and various other symptoms.

Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, making it hard to treat effectively. However, recent advancements in medical research, particularly in stem cell therapy, may offer hope for those suffering from this debilitating condition.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia manifests as widespread musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, sleep problems, memory issues, and mood disorders. The condition is believed to involve problems in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, along with issues in neurotransmitter levels and immune function.

Unlike other rheumatic conditions, fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to joints, muscles, or tissues, which makes it harder to diagnose and treat.

How can stem cells help?

Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have gained significant attention in medical research due to their remarkable regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.

MSCs are capable of differentiating into various types of cells, such as those found in bones, cartilage, and adipose tissue. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have been reported as one of the most widely used cell sources for nerve regeneration. [1]

Expanded MSCs may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms through several mechanisms. Their ability to transform into nerve and muscle cells may aid in repairing damaged tissues and restoring their function.

Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate the immune system might help address the root causes of fibromyalgia. [2]

How soon before stem cells could be used to treat fibromyalgia?

Although research on MSC therapy for fibromyalgia is still in the early stages, clinical trials are being conducted to test its safety and effectiveness in humans.

These trials aim to determine if MSC transplantation can be a viable treatment and to explore its potential to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with fibromyalgia.

While finding effective treatments for fibromyalgia is a long and challenging process, the potential of stem cell therapy offers new hope for patients and clinicians.

With continued research and innovation, we may eventually unlock the full potential of stem cells to transform the lives of those affected by fibromyalgia.

For more information about how you can save stem cells for your baby, fill out the form below for our free Welcome Pack.

References

[1] Yi, Sheng et al. “Application of stem cells in peripheral nerve regeneration.” Burns & trauma vol. 8 tkaa002. 27 Feb. 2020, doi:10.1093/burnst/tkaa002

[2] Hancock, R. J. (2023, August 23). The Potential of Stem Cell Therapy in Treating Fibromyalgia (2023). HSCN. https://www.hscn.org/post/stem-cell-therapy-for-fibromyalgia

A new study has shown that mesenchymal stem cells derived from both the umbilical cord and from fat tissues may be able to provide a therapy for ovarian ageing.

In a trial conducted using mice, researchers at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Beijing saw drastic improvements in ovarian function after administering stem cells, improvements that may be an important step in eradicating the ‘biological clock’.

What is Ovarian Ageing?

Ovarian ageing is a natural process whereby the quality and quantity of both oocyte (eggs) and ovarian follicles (small fluid filled sacs that contain eggs) diminishes over time.

While it is inevitable that the human body should age, the ovaries age faster than many other organs, with characteristics of senescence emerging around 30-35 years of age. [1]

This rapid ageing process can be both troubling and distressing, leading to age-related infertility, a severe obstacle to many women who want to have children later in life.

Indeed, recent trends indicate that as a result of a myriad of socio-economic factors, motherhood is becoming more and more delayed, meaning an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with female infertility and being forced to utilise assisted reproductive technologies in order to have a child. [2]

How could stem cells help with ovarian ageing?

Because mesenchymal stem cells are able to differentiate into other specialised cell types in the body, it’s thought that they may be able to repair the damage ovaries incur through the ageing process and reinstate the cellular environment required for follicular renewal. [3]

What did the study find?

In the aforementioned study, scientists took umbilical cord and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells and injected them into the ovaries of mice with reduced reproductive functions.

A break from previous studies that injected stem cells into the tails of mice, this trial utilised a process known as orthotopic transplantation, which delivered the stem cells closer to the ovaries.

They then monitored the results of the application over an eight day period to determine the impact on the mice’s oestrous cycle – a phenomenon that has similarities to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle in human females.

What they found was that in the mice who had undergone umbilical cord derived stem cell transplantation there were drastic improvements to the duration of this cycle.

Between weeks 1 and 3 the mice were then sacrificed in order to analyse the changes to their tissues.

Analysis of the ovaries of the older mice revealed that the MSCs dramatically increased the proportion of proliferating cells.

Additionally, the number of primary follicles and blood vessel proliferation also increased as a result of the injection, along with a notable uptick in the expression of signalling pathways relevant to the regulation of inflammation in the ovaries. [4]

There were no significant toxic reactions to the treatment, nor were the MSCs determined to be tumorigenic (meaning no risk of the cell transplantation resulting in the proliferation of malignant tumours).

While there is still a long way to go before this potential treatment reaches clinical trial in humans, initial results from this study, and others like it, are highly promising for treating ovarian ageing.

If you want to find out more about how to save umbilical cord stem cells for your baby, download our free welcome pack below.

References

[1] Wang, X., Wang, L. & Xiang, W. Mechanisms of ovarian aging in women: a review. J Ovarian Res 16, 67 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-023-01151-z

[2] Éva Beaujouan, Anna Reimondos, Edith Gray, Ann Evans, Tomáš Sobotka, Declining realisation of reproductive intentions with age, Human Reproduction, Volume 34, Issue 10, October 2019, Pages 1906–1914, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dez150

[3] Shin, EY., Jeong, S., Lee, J.E. et al. Multiple treatments with human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells preserved the fertility and ovarian function of perimenopausal mice undergoing natural aging. Stem Cell Res Ther 15, 58 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03684-6

[4] Pei, Wendi et al. “Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for ovarian ageing in a mouse model.” Stem cell research & therapy vol. 15,1 96. 3 Apr. 2024, doi:10.1186/s13287-024-03698-0

In a study first published in April’s edition of Advanced Functional Materials, researchers found that stem cells boost natural repair following cardiac arrest.

The most common consequence of cardiac arrest is brain injury. Decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain can result in damage to specific areas such as the temporal lobe, which is responsible for memories. [1]

According to the British Heart Foundation, there are around 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in the UK per year, with survival rates of only 1 in 10.

While there are currently steps towards improving these survival rates – mainly public awareness and educational campaigns focused on immediate response [2] – better survival rates potentially means more patients suffering from brain injury, which can range in severity.

What researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the U.S. have found is that neural stem cells can help with repairing post-cardiac arrest brain damage when their carbohydrate structure is manipulated. [3]

In an animal study using rats, scientists applied sugar molecules to the neural stem cells in a process called glycoengineering.

It’s thought that the application of these sugar molecules provide the neural stem cells with a better chance of retention and integration within the harsh microenvironment of the brain.

Researchers examined the efficacy of the ‘sugar-coated’ neural stem cells that had been pretreated with TProp (the name of the modified sugar molecule applied) with naive human neural stem cells.

They found through subsequent testing that the stem cells that had been pretreated with TProp improved brain function substantially, along with reducing anxiety and depression-related behaviours.

The ability for synapses to modify the strength of their connections (otherwise known as synapse plasticity) also improved, with the TProp group also demonstrating a reduction in neuroinflammation in the central nervous system.

Overall, the findings from the University of Maryland are promising as they indicate that these glycoengineered stem cells could help regenerate connections between synapses in the brain that have been affected by cardiac arrest related injury in humans.

The next steps will involve tests on larger animals before hopefully moving to a clinical study.

If you want to know more about how you can save your baby’s powerful stem cells, fill out the form below for your free welcome pack.

References

[1] (2023, July 7). Can a heart attack cause brain damage? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/heart-attack-brain-damage#effects

[2] Horriar, Lina et al. “Improving survival after cardiac arrest in Europe: The synergetic effect of rescue chain strategies.” Resuscitation plus vol. 17 100533. 21 Dec. 2023, doi:10.1016/j.resplu.2023.100533

[3] (2024, May 9). Stem Cell Therapy Boosts Natural Repair After Cardiac Arrest. University of Maryland Baltimore. https://www.umaryland.edu/news/archived-news/may-2024/stem-cell-therapy-boosts-natural-repair-after-cardiac-arrest.php

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New research has emerged showing that a stem cell-derived therapy may be able to treat the most common, and deadliest, form of liver cancer.

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have developed a therapy using natural killer (NK) cells derived from stem cells to help combat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) – a highly treatment resistant tumour. [1]

While not yet studied in patients, it’s hoped that the therapy (which was tested both in vitro against HCC cell lines and in vivo in a mouse model) will be influential in future trials for treating HCC, and other solid tumours.

How does the stem cell therapy work?

Like other tumour cells, hepatocellular carcinoma cells inhibit the body’s immune cells from attacking them.

By creating this immunosuppressive environment, the tumour effectively prevents itself from being targeted by the body’s immune system, allowing it to propagate and spread.

This makes developing treatment for solid tumours difficult. Immunotherapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T-cells tend to be rather ineffective in combating solid tumours like HCC, rather than other forms of cancer, like blood cancers, for this reason. [2]

In order to make an effective therapy, the team of researchers realised that they had to prevent the HCC tumour from being able to create the immunosuppressive environment in the first place.

To do this, they engineered NK cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells and disabled their receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a protein that suppresses immune function and is abundant in HCC tumours.

Their findings showed that these modified NK cells had significantly better anti-tumor activity and improved survival rates in preclinical models than NK cells without the genetic modification. [3]

What impact will this liver cancer therapy have?

Being able to derive NK cells from induced pluripotent stem cells means that the new HCC therapy is an ‘off-the-shelf’ therapy, according to the researchers.

Unlike CAR T-cell therapy, which is a highly personalised immunotherapy, the genetically modified NK cell therapy could theoretically be mass produced, say the UCSD team.

This means the therapy could vastly improve not just the effectiveness of treatment outcomes, but could also potentially streamline the treatment process for patients.

Furthermore, the researchers’ findings suggest that the genetic disabling of the TGF-β receptor could be effective in treating other types of solid tumour which, like HCC, create immunosuppressive environments.

The team anticipate that future clinical trials will build upon their research, taking their findings and applying them in the development of both NK cell and CAR-T cell therapies for a range of solid tumours.

Regenerative medicine and cord blood banking

Research like this highlights the importance of stem cells in driving future medical breakthroughs.

Much like the induced pluripotent stem cells in this study, the stem cells in your baby’s umbilical cord blood are able to differentiate into a range of cell types, including NK cells. [4]

Saving these stem cells for your baby provides them with the best chance of accessing more of the cutting edge therapies of the future.

By saving their stem cells, you can be secure in the knowledge that they’ll always have cells from their own perfect donor match available: themselves.

To find out more about saving stem cells for your baby fill out the form below to request your FREE Welcome Pack.

References

The results from a new study into treating atopic dermatitis (AD) – the most common form of eczema – suggest that mesenchymal stem cells are effective in combatting AD symptoms.

The phase 1/2 trial, which aimed to treat patients suffering from moderate to severe AD symptoms, utilised human bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells (hcMSCs) which were delivered to patients via infusion.

Researchers believe that this treatment method is highly promising in improving symptoms of the chronic condition, which is estimated to affect approximately 2.6% of the population (204 million people) worldwide. [1]

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, cracked, and itchy.

The most common form of eczema in children, atopic dermatitis is a long term condition which can also arise for the first time during adulthood.

The exact causes of AD remain unknown, though it’s thought that it may run in families.

Environmental factors such as the use of certain soaps and cleaning products, the weather, and stress have been shown to be triggers for AD flare ups, and those who suffer from AD often also suffer from hay-fever and asthma.

In many cases, AD often improves over time, but the current lack of effective treatment options, in addition to the widespread prevalence of the condition and its impact on sufferers’ quality of life, means that finding new ways to combat AD is imperative.

What did the new study find?

The study was conducted in two phases.

Phase 1

This phase saw 20 patients receive high and low doses of hcMSCs via infusions every two weeks.

Both high-dose and low-dose application was effective, with 67-70% of both groups displaying a 50% improvement in symptoms.

Phase 2

Phase 2 expanded to 72 patients, half of whom were given the low-dose, and the other half a placebo, with some interesting results:

58% of patients who had the low-dose experienced over 50% improvement in symptoms compared to the placebo group, of which only 32% experienced a similar improvement.

Further yet, 24% of patients who had the low-dose even saw improvements of over 90% in their symptoms thanks to the treatment, compared to only 6% from the placebo group.

Overall, the results of the trial suggest that low doses of hcMSCs can dramatically improve symptoms of AD in sufferers whose condition is moderate to severe. [3]

How does the treatment work?

Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to regulate the immune system. They interact with various immune cells and help reduce inflammation. Previous studies have shown these cells can lower inflammation in conditions like pancreatitis and improve symptoms in animal models of AD. [4] [5] [6] [7]

In this study, researchers hoped to build upon these previous findings by using mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow in order to help with the immunomodulation necessary for improving AD symptoms.

What’s next for the new AD treatment?

While these results are promising, larger studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of this treatment. However, this research opens up an exciting new avenue for eczema treatment that could significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Cord blood banking and mesenchymal stem cells

The mesenchymal stem cells used in this study come from bone marrow, but they can also be found in a baby’s umbilical cord.

In 2017, a trial showed that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood could effectively treat moderate to severe AD. [8]

These mesenchymal stem cells can become various types of specialised cells, from muscle tissue to nerve cells, making them ideal for regenerative therapies.

By saving these stem cells at birth, you can provide your child with access to future advanced treatments.

To learn more, fill out the form below to receive a free Welcome Pack. This pack will explain how stem cell collection works, the benefits of storing stem cells, and current treatments using stem cells. It only takes a moment, but it could be the best decision you make for your child’s future.

References

It was announced this month that the results of research into a new stem cell based therapy for Hirschsprung disease – a rare condition affecting bowel movement – were promising.

Conducted by teams from University College London and the University of Sheffield, the research focuses on transplanting stem cell-derived precursor nerve cells into gut tissue. [1]

What is Hirschsprung disease?

Hirschsprung disease is usually identified within the first few months of birth in newborns but may also be diagnosed later in childhood.

Current treatment options are limited, with surgery an inevitable eventuality in most cases.

Whilst the condition is rare – it’s estimated only 1 in every 5,000 newborns have Hirschsprung disease – the lack of available treatment options makes attempts to formulate an alternative therapy even more pressing for sufferers. [3]

What is the new stem cell therapy and how does it work?

The new therapy being trialed by researchers involves generating nerve cell precursors from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).

Because stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into other specialised cells in the body, they are ideal for regenerating or replacing cells that are lost or damaged through disease.

The researchers at the University of Sheffield isolated and used RNA sequencing to differentiate the stem cells into enteric nervous system (ENS) precursor cells.

These cells were then transferred to UCL, where they were transplanted into prepared gut tissue in the hope that they would integrate and develop into fully fledged nerves. [4]

What were the results of the stem cell transplant?

The team of researchers found that following transplantation of the stem cell-derived nerve precursor cells into gut tissue samples, the transplanted tissue was better able to contract in response to electric stimulation than the control tissue. [5]

This suggests that the transplantation of the stem cell-derived nerve cell precursors into the tissue improved its functionality to the point of counteracting the negative effects of Hirschsprung disease.

Following this success, the researchers will be looking for additional funding to move into the clinical trial stage, where it’s hoped they’ll be able to demonstrate the viability of the therapy in human subjects. [6]

This is just one of many ongoing studies in which the plasticity of stem cells is being harnessed to bring about the next generation of regenerative therapies for conditions ranging from diabetes to stroke, heart disease to cancer.

To find out about how you could safeguard your baby’s access to future medicine by saving their stem cells, fill out the form below to request your free Welcome Pack.

References

The outcome of a recent clinical trial conducted by pharmaceutical company Vertex indicates huge promise for the development of a stem cell cure for type 1 diabetes.

The phase 1/2 study, whose results were presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions this month, found that the infusion of VX-880 – a new stem cell derived therapy – occasioned significant improvements in diabetic patients’ wellbeing. [1]

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that stops the pancreas producing insulin. Insulin is the hormone the body produces to move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells to make energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and leads to hyperglycemia. [2]

Complications from hyperglycemia can be severe, affecting major organs like the heart and kidneys. Glucose build up can also damage nerves, as well as the blood vessels in the eyes which can result in blindness. [3]

Those who have type 1 diabetes are required to take insulin everyday, either with meals or at regular intervals, a process which can drastically alter lifestyle habits as well as quality of life. [4]

There is currently no known cure for type 1 diabetes and its root causes are unknown, although many believe the condition to be the result of either genetics or environmental factors like exposure to viruses.