Source: The New York Times
Posted: October 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Novocell, a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, reported yesterday that they had developed a process to turn human embryonic stem cells into pancreatic cells that can produce insulin and other hormones. The work by the company is a step toward using embryonic stem cells to replace the insulin-producing cells that are destroyed by the body’s immune system in people with Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes. Years of research remain, however, before a therapy developed from this approach can be put to use. Some experts are calling the new work, published online by the journal Nature Biotechnology, a significant advance, saying it provides proof that insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells can be made from human E.S. cells in a culture dish.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will accelerate the development of stem cell treatments for diabetes in humans.
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