A research group at Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Nagoya University has developed the world's first "electronics (mechanical) -free" and "protein-free" artificial pancreas device, which is safe, therapeutic, and effective in healthy and diabetic model mice for 3 weeks. We have succeeded in demonstrating medical functions such as the above durability.
In recent years, insulin pumps have become widespread in the treatment of insulin for diabetes.However, there are many issues such as the physical and psychological burden on the patient, the need for machine-specific correction and maintenance, and medical economic problems. Therefore, an autonomous type that does not require electronics (machine or electricity) drive. There has been a strong demand for the creation of an "artificial pancreas" that is an insulin pump.Conventionally, attempts have been made to use a protein as a base material for an artificial pancreas, but instability and toxicity associated with protein denaturation are unavoidable, and it has not been put into practical use.
As a solution to these problems, the research group has developed an autonomous insulin supply device that exerts the function of an artificial pancreas using only completely synthetic materials that do not use any protein.When this device is placed subcutaneously, insulin supply is regulated by a feedback mechanism consisting of continuous blood glucose detection and diffusion control in response to blood glucose fluctuations.
In experiments with mice, this device has a long-lasting duration of 1 weeks or more and well controls glucose metabolism in both type 2 diabetes (insulin deficiency) and type 3 diabetes (insulin resistance). It was demonstrated to do.
This device, which is extremely cheap and less burdensome to use than the mechanical one, offers new treatment options for patients who have been difficult to spread, such as developing countries, the elderly, and people requiring long-term care. It has the potential to provide.
Paper information:[Science Advances] Synthetic “smart-gel” provides glucose-responsive insulin delivery in diabetic mice
