Once again, the blogs and websites are filled with news and exciting advances in technology. Here are a few notable ones for the past 2 weeks.
Diabetes Research Institute Successfully Transplants First Patient In Pilot BioHub Trial
On August 26, 2015, The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, announced that the first patient in its clinical trial to test for the first time a novel transplant technique for insulin-producing cells was successfully completed. This FDA approved Phase I/II study builds upon prior clinical islet transplantation trials and is an important first step toward the development of the DRI BioHub, a bioengineered mini organ that will mimic the pancreas to restore natural insulin production in people with type 1 diabetes. http://www.diabetesresearch.org/BioHub
Faustman’s Research on BCG Vaccine for Reversal of Type 1 Diabetes Continues
The phase I trial of a once-controversial clinical trial testing the effects on type one diabetes of a 94-year-old drug used to combat tuberculosis was so successful that in June of this year, the FDA approved the research to expand into a second phase of the trial.http://www.faustmanlab.org/research/T1Dresearch.html
Sweat patch could monitor blood glucose levels, bypass finger sticks
A disposable sweat patch is currently being developed by Eccrine Systems that could calculate the amount of glucose in the blood. Eccrine Systems’ multiple layer patch design manages the flow of sweat so data, known as “biomarkers”, can be collected about how the body behaves. This information includes glucose, hormones, proteins and other molecules that are produced during metabolism. http://www.eccrinesystems.com/
Dexcom Introduces G5 Mobile CGM System
G5 will bring CGM data directly into a paired iPhone phone app from Dexcom’s smart Bluetooth transmitter, eliminating the need to carry a receiver (though a receiver can still be used, if desired, since the new G5 transmitter can pair with two devices). An Android version of G5 is expected in 2016. http://www.dexcom.com/landing/1
Lilly Acquires Phase III Intranasal Glucagon from Locemia Solutions
Intranasal glucagon, which is currently in Phase III clinical trial testing, could be the first needle-free rescue treatment for severe hypoglycemia. Intranasal glucagon uses a proprietary glucagon nasal powder formulation that is delivered in an emergency situation using a single-use, ready-to-use device. The caregiver presses a small plunger on the bottom of the device to release the glucagon as a puff in the nose, where the glucagon is absorbed in the nasal passages. https://investor.lilly.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=936055
Jardiance, an SGLT-2 inhibitor, Cut Cardiovascular Deaths by 38%, Study Says
In a clinical trial, the drug — Jardiance, sold jointly by Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim — reduced the overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke, or of dying from cardiovascular causes, by 14 percent. Looking only at cardiovascular deaths, the reduction was 38 percent.
