Engineered pseudoislets for improved survival and engraftment in islet transplant for diabetes
Size-controlled pseudoislets manufactured using the AggreWell platform address the key barriers in islet transplantation: heterogeneity and poor vascularization. By producing uniform organoids that resist hypoxia and reverse diabetes in preclinical models, this source-agnostic packaging technology enables scalable, cost-effective cell-based therapies for diabetes.
Overview
Islet transplantation for diabetes is limited by the heterogeneity of primary and stem-cell-derived islets and the lack of an endogenous microvascular supply. In conventional large islets, the majority of cells sit too far from the nearest oxygen and nutrient source to survive, and the hypoxic post-transplant environment further reduces engraftment efficiency.
This technology delivers size-controlled pseudoislets engineered using the AggreWell platform. Uniform dimensions allow efficient diffusion of oxygen and nutrients and promote vascularization after transplant. The approach is source-agnostic, meaning it can package cells from primary tissue or pluripotent stem cell differentiation into a consistent, clinically relevant format.
Technical specifications
- AggreWell platform for precise, large-scale manufacture of uniform organoids across tissue types
- Controlled pseudoislet size that supports nutrient diffusion and post-transplant vascularization
- Hypoxia resistance demonstrated in culture and in vivo
- Efficient reversal of diabetes and restoration of normoglycemia in mouse transplant models
- Clinical-scale production systems with bioprocess cost-optimization techniques
- Novel encapsulation technologies compatible with the pseudoislet format
- Flexible cell sourcing from primary tissue or pluripotent stem cell-derived islets
Technology readiness level
The AggreWell platform has been commercialized internationally and is widely adopted across tissue types. Engineered pseudoislets have been validated in preclinical studies, showing improved survival in culture, resistance to hypoxia, and successful reversal of diabetes in murine models. Clinical-scale production, bioprocess optimization, and encapsulation technologies have been developed. Future validation steps toward clinical translation include scale-up validation, establishment of porcine cell sources, encapsulation refinement, and integration with partner cell-production workflows.
About University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a comprehensive public research university in Alberta, Canada, known for coupling academic depth with an entrepreneurial mindset. A research and technology park adjacent to campus colocates companies with faculty labs and venture incubators, enabling shared facilities and pilot‑stage development, while co‑op and work‑integrated learning programs create direct talent pipelines. Integration with the provincial health system brings clinical care, trials, and translational research into close proximity with campus researchers. Research activity is supported by Canadian federal agencies such as NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, with additional support from provincial programs and industry consortia. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation through standardized agreements.
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