In-vivo Evaluation of Porcine Pseudoislets as a Theraputic Solution for Type 1 Diabetes

A pioneering project led by Dr. Hany Abdelgawad at TU Dresden and Prof. Peter Jones at King’s College London is developing artificial porcine insulin-producing cells, known as pseudoislets, as a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, a condition affecting over 375,000 children in Germany alone. Facing a global shortage of donor organs, this innovative approach uses porcine pseudoislets to offer a scalable, cost-effective alternative to human islet or stem cell therapies, with costs comparable to human islet transplantation (75,000 €) versus 500,000 € for stem cell treatments.

The project focuses on validating the therapeutic efficacy and durability of these pseudoislets through in-vivo studies in diabetic mouse models. It aims to determine the optimal pseudoislet dose needed to reverse diabetes, assess how quickly they restore normal blood glucose levels, and evaluate their long-term insulin production. Additionally, the team will confirm that cryopreserved pseudoislets maintain functionality comparable to fresh ones, enabling on-demand availability. To prepare for clinical translation, the project ensures compliance with Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) standards and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), targeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4.

From January to December 2025, the work plan includes pre-transplantation quality checks, efficacy testing in mice, and validation of cryopreserved pseudoislets, alongside market analysis to explore commercialization through a Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) study and stakeholder engagement. By demonstrating superior uniformity, stability, and functionality compared to native islets, this project could transform diabetes care, reduce healthcare costs, and pave the way for clinical trials.

Dr. Abdelgawad and Prof. Jones combine expertise in islet transplantation and metabolic research to drive this promising solution, offering hope for millions living with type 1 diabetes.