Hope for a Cure
A promising new treatment offers hope for the hundreds of millions affected by diabetes. Researchers from Mount Sinai and City of Hope medical centers in the US have developed a drug that increases insulin-producing cells by 700% in mice, effectively reversing the disease.
Unprecedented Results
This study marks the first time a combination treatment has successfully increased human insulin-producing cells in living organisms. Dr. Adolfo Garcia-Ocaña, the study’s lead author, highlighted the potential of this research to pave the way for regenerative therapies to treat diabetes.
The Challenge of Diabetes
Diabetes affects 422 million people worldwide, with the condition characterized by a reduction in the number and quality of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Traditional treatments involve insulin injections or specialized medication, as there has been no way to regenerate these crucial cells—until now.
Innovative Approach
Previous efforts focused on cultivating beta cells in labs for transplantation. However, this preclinical study managed to grow insulin-producing cells directly within diabetic mice, restoring beta cell function. The combination therapy used harmine, a natural compound, and GLP1 receptor agonists, drugs commonly used for type 2 diabetes.
Moving Forward
In phase 1 clinical trials at Mount Sinai, researchers are evaluating the safety of harmine for human use. Dr. Garcia-Ocaña expressed optimism that this research could lead to significant advancements in diabetes treatment, potentially allowing for the safe expansion of endogenous beta cells in patients.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Indian Express
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