基因改良细胞有望成为1型糖尿病新疗法
Genetically modified cells could eliminate the need for daily injections to treat type 1 diabetes, experts have revealed.
专家透露，有了基因改良细胞，1型糖尿病患者就可不必天天注射胰岛素了。
The human cell line is genetically engineered to produce, store and release insulin in response to blood sugar levels in the human body.
Scientists said the insulin-producing 'Melligen' cells show promise as a possible cure for type 1 diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the pancreatic cells responsible for making insulin, a hormone crucial to converting blood sugar into energy.
This month, they secured US patent protection for the cell line from the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Professor Ann Simpson, who led the team at the University of Technology, Sydney, said: 'My team and I are extremely pleased that the US patent for the Melligen cells has been granted.
'This takes us a step closer to releasing diabetics from the need to inject insulin daily, and more importantly, protecting them from the debilitating complications of the disease, such as blindness, kidney failure and cardiovascular problems.'