July 1, 2010 - ZenBio, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a Phase I SBIR grant to identify and characterize an adult stem cell population from human fat stroma that has the therapeutic potential to differentiate into insulin-secreting “beta-like” cells.Human adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue are a practical source of stem cells from which to launch work on deriving beta-like cells for autologous transplantation. The medical need for new therapies to manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes is well known and appreciated by physicians and patients alike. A plentiful and convenient source of cells that release appropriate amounts of insulin in response to changes in glucose would be a major advancement for diabetes therapy, particularly if the cells were provided by the patient (i.e. autologous transplantation). “In type 1 and long-term type 2 diabetes, the failure of the beta cells in the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin results in eventual insulin dependence for survival.”... [PDF] ZenBio's Press Release -
