InSphero, Breakthrough T1D, and Université Libre de Bruxelles Collaborate to Find New Cures for Type 1 Diabetes
August 19, 2024 – Zurich, Switzerland, Brussels, Belgium, and New York, US
InSphero, a leading innovator in 3D Cell Culture and Organ-on-Chip technology, has announced a new collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Center for Diabetes Research. With funding from Breakthrough T1D under its Industry Discovery & Development Partnerships (IDDP) program, this collaboration aims to uncover novel treatment strategies for T1D, focusing on protecting and preserving the vital insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
T1D is a challenging condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own beta cells, leading to insufficient insulin production. This collaboration’s innovative approach centers on shielding these cells from immune attack by focusing on beta cell intrinsic mechanisms.
Dr. Decio L. Eizirik, a renowned expert in beta cell research at ULB Center for Diabetes Research, is InSphero’s scientific partner in this effort. The team will focus on identifying novel targets that decrease the antigen presentation on the beta cells to make them less visible to an auto-immune assault while increasing the production of PDL-1, a molecule which inhibits immune cells and promotes immune self-tolerance. This combined effect could effectively prevent beta cell destruction to enhance beta cell survival and function. The project will utilize InSphero’s advanced primary 3D Cell Culture platforms to simulate the interactions between pancreatic islets and immune cells, offering a highly relevant model for the study of T1D.
Dr. Burcak Yesildag, Vice President of Islet Biology at InSphero, shares her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on the immune system, our strategy addresses the misguided dialogue between the immune system and beta cells in T1D. With Breakthrough T1D support, we are excited to leverage our physiologically relevant 3D cell models to explore new therapeutic avenues that could revolutionize T1D treatment.”
Dr. Jay Tinklepaugh, Senior Scientist at Breakthrough T1D, added: “This effort exemplifies the innovative spirit needed to tackle the complex challenges of type 1 diabetes. Identifying ways to preserve and protect beta cells in people with T1D is a priority for Breakthrough T1D and a critical part of accelerating cures. By bringing together InSphero’s pioneering technology and ULB’s scientific expertise, we are excited by the opportunities this creates to achieve significant breakthroughs in the fight against T1D.”
This collaboration represents an innovative step forward in the quest to develop new treatments for type 1 diabetes and aims to pave the way for potentially life-changing therapies.