MIT Scientists Develop Implantable Device That Could Eliminate the Need for Insulin Injections
In a groundbreaking new study, scientists at MIT have made significant strides in the development of a medical device that could potentially render insulin injections obsolete. The researchers have successfully implanted a device inside mice that produces its own supply of insulin for up to a month. While more research is needed before this technology can be widely used in humans, this discovery brings hope to those living with diabetes.
Insulin is a hormone with a crucial role in the body, particularly in the regulation of glucose levels. When the body is unable to effectively move glucose from the bloodstream to cells, it can lead to chronically high blood sugar and the onset of diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes have an immune system that mistakenly attacks the pancreatic islet cells responsible for insulin production, while those with type 2 diabetes develop a resistance to the effects of insulin.
Currently, individuals with type 1 diabetes, and eventually many with type 2, rely on regular insulin injections to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Insulin injections have undoubtedly improved the lives of diabetics, but they still face a higher risk of health complications and a shorter life expectancy. As a result, scientists have been striving to find alternative methods to provide insulin in a more efficient and effective manner.
Islet cell transplantation, a promising field of research, aims to restore natural insulin production by utilizing islet cells from a suitable donor. However, this procedure requires lifelong immune-suppressing drugs to prevent the body’s rejection of the donor cells. MIT scientists propose a different approach: housing the donated cells in a small device implanted just beneath the skin, protecting them from the immune system while allowing them to produce insulin.
In the recent study set to be published in the journal PNAS, MIT researchers tackled a known issue with these devices: the need for a reliable oxygen supply to ensure the longevity of the donor islet cells. Previous devices relied on separate chambers or chemical mixtures for oxygen supply, requiring constant maintenance and refueling. The MIT team’s device, however, features a unique membrane that generates oxygen by splitting nearby water molecules, potentially providing an indefinite supply. Additionally, the device can be wirelessly powered with a small amount of voltage, potentially utilizing a small patch on the skin.
During lab experiments, mice with diabetes implanted with the oxygen-supplying device maintained healthy blood sugar levels for at least a month, while mice with a device lacking oxygen production experienced high blood sugar within two weeks. The device did prompt the formation of scar tissue, a typical immune response to implantable devices. However, the scarring did not significantly impede its overall functionality.
Senior study author Daniel Anderson, a professor in MIT’s Department of Chemical Engineering, expressed excitement about the progress, stating, “You can think of this as a living medical device that is made from human cells that secrete insulin, along with an electronic life support system. We’re excited by the progress so far, and we really are optimistic that this technology could end up helping patients.”
While this research is still in its early stages, the MIT team envisions its potential application in other medical conditions dependent on externally produced proteins, such as certain forms of anemia treated with erythropoietin. Moving forward, the team plans to test the device on larger animals before proceeding to human trials. They also aim to explore the device’s ability to remain safely and effectively inside the body for longer durations.
Anderson concludes, “We’re optimistic that it will be possible to make living medical devices that can reside in the body and produce drugs as needed.” This breakthrough technology brings hope for the future of insulin delivery and offers the possibility of freeing millions of individuals from the burden of daily injections.