Long-term closed-loop cell-based treatment for canine diabetes using anti-inflammatory crystalline drug formulations
A retrievable, printable device that co-encapsulates pancreatic islets or stem cell-derived beta cells with long-acting crystalline anti-inflammatory drug formulations to provide injection-free, multi-year blood sugar control in diabetic dogs. The localized, slow-release crystals suppress fibrosis and foreign body response without harming encapsulated cells, enabling durable graft function across multiple implant sites.
Overview
This solution addresses a major barrier in cell-based therapies for chronic autoimmune diseases such as diabetes: the foreign body response (FBR) and fibrotic encapsulation that limits the longevity and function of transplanted insulin-producing cells. The technology combines crystalline, long-term releasing anti-inflammatory drug formulations with a fully retrievable and printable encapsulation device that co-encapsulates pancreatic islets or stem cell-derived pancreatic-like cells. By locally and continuously suppressing fibrosis around the graft, the system enables sustained, injection-free glycemic control in diabetic dogs for at least one year, with potential extension to several years.
Technical specifications
- Crystalline anti-inflammatory formulations that provide localized, long-term release tuned via crystal degree, composition, crystal form, crystal size, and morphology
- Non-toxic to co-encapsulated cells, preserving viability and function of human, rat, and stem cell-derived islets
- Alginate microsphere encapsulation compatible with human islet microencapsulation systems and tested across subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intramuscular implant sites
- Validated suppression of FBR for at least 1.3 years in rodents and 6 months in non-human primates
- Retrievable and printable device design allowing easy application, retrieval, and replacement
- Closed-loop capability supporting pharmacological drug monitoring and assessment of cell executive function over time
Technology readiness level
The core crystalline drug formulations and islet co-encapsulation approach have been validated in rodent models (including diabetic C57BL/6 mice with human and rat islets) and in non-human primates. The next stage of development focuses on scaling the retrievable printable device for canine studies, evaluating long-term glycemic control and graft longevity in dogs over at least one year, and extending the platform to stem cell-derived pancreatic-like cells. The team is actively seeking partners for animal model support and funding of key personnel to advance toward veterinary and ultimately human translational applications.
About Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology is a leading public technological university in Haifa with a STEM‑intensive, entrepreneurial culture and a globally engaged research community. Companies engage via co‑located labs and shared core facilities on campus, with access to prototyping and fabrication shops and contract research. The medical faculty’s integration with major teaching hospitals enables clinical studies and translation, and the campus lies within Israel’s high‑tech corridor, linking partners to startups and multinational R&D centers. Research is backed by national funding from the Israel Science Foundation and the Israel Innovation Authority, plus European programs like Horizon Europe and binational foundations; a dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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