Positive Results for Pre-Clinical Diabetes Device

Sernova's Cell Pouch System has received positive results in long-term trials for treatment of the pre-clinical model of diabetes.

The Cell Pouch System is a medical device that is implanted into the skin to help glucose control. The system uses fewer insulin-producing islets than current standards of care.

The study involved implantation of the Cell Pouch System into pigs. Before implantation, the pigs' own islets were isolated and transplanted into the Cell Pouch System.

Results showed that the pigs maintained glucose levels within the normal range throughout the study, according to Sernova.

Dr David White, chair of Sernova's Scientific Advisory Board, said the data suggested that the Cell Pouch System could represent a clinically relevant alternative to injecting islets into the portal vein of the liver, and may reduce the side effects of transplantation, such as instant blood-mediated reaction.

"The indication that our device achieves glucose control with a reduction in the number of islets normally required is also of profound clinical importance," White said. "It may increase the availability of life-changing islet transplantation for many diabetic patients."