Developments in Islet Cell Transplantation Wins Attention of Medical Researcher Dr. Navneet Tyagi

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 21, 2013

Through his comprehensive studies in protein research, Dr. Navneet Tyagi has been a considerable force in helping the medical community better understand chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to Tyagi's focus on conditions such as Alzheimer's and ALS, he is also regarded for his accomplishments regarding the sodium/D-glucose cotransporter protein--a critical element to understanding Type 2 diabetes and its continuing treatment. While Tyagi has advanced the information available for Type 2 diabetes, he explains that it is also important for medical researchers to stay fervent about finding solutions for those who suffer from Type 1 diabetes.

Given this emphasis, Dr. Navneet Tyagi highlights recent research and technological developments that may eventually make drastic changes in Type 1 diabetes care. Tyagi points to a recent article from The Wall Street Journal that underscores two leaders in islet cell transplantation--the components necessary for the pancreas to produce insulin. The article explains, "Nuvilex, Inc. has 'Cell-in-a-Box,' the Diabetes Research Institute has BioHub. One is cell encapsulation technology, and the other is an integrated spongy wafer. While they have different names and a different structure, the idea is the same--building a fully protected home to house pancreatic islet (insulin-producing) cells for transplantation into diabetics."

Although the science behind these innovations are complex, Navneet Tyagi notes that the potential outcomes could offer very simple--and real--possibilities for those that have had to lead lives as Type 1 diabetics. Tyagi explains, "The potential that could come out of islet cell transplantation is phenomenal. Even the scientists at DRI--who have developed the BioHub--suggest that the innovation could help produce a cure for Type 1 diabetes in five to seven years."

According to The Wall Street Journal these "mini-organs" or "artificial pancreases" could dramatically change the lives of patients whose internal organs have lost all ability to produce insulin. The article details, "Between 'Cell-in-a-Box' and BioHub there is real hope on the horizon for diabetics who currently engage in a daily routine of checking their blood-glucose levels many times, giving themselves insulin either through injections or with an insulin pump, watching what they eat, monitoring how much or how little exercise they're getting and the list goes on and on."

While there is much hope stimulated by these developments, Dr. Navneet Tyagi explains that despite the laid foundations, there is still much research to be done. For example, the article reveals, "The director of the DRI, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, says for his organization's BioHub to be successful, the structure must prove it 'restores natural insulin production and normalizes blood sugar levels without imposing other risks'."

"It is truly inspiring to see the medical community working together to develop rather impressive solutions for chronic diseases that have proven rather hard to understand completely. If approached carefully, these studies--even if not successful--will help researchers better understand the complex nature of Type 1 diabetes," Dr. Navneet Tyagi concludes.

ABOUT:

Navneet Tyagi is a scientist and researcher who has worked extensively in the areas of protein folding and misfolding, and the roles of different molecular chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. He also worked on the identification of early childhood onset neurodegenerative diseases. His previous findings on the sodium/D-glucose cotransporter protein have proven highly influential in the ongoing development of diabetes treatments. Tyagi was educated in India and received his PhD in Germany.