BIOPI

Patients with unstable type 1 diabetes experience severe and unpredictable blood glucose fluctuations throughout the day, even with optimized insulin therapy. These patients may be eligible for pancreatic islet transplantation, a promising therapeutic option. However, the clinical application of this approach remains limited by several major challenges. Insufficient oxygen supply to transplanted islets leads to poor graft survival, the requirement for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, and donor organ scarcity further restricts its use. Moreover, this strategy remains a temporary solution rather than a definitive treatment.

BIOPI is developing an implantable bioartificial pancreas designed to regulate blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. The device is based on an implantable bioreactor that contains pancreatic islets within a 3D structure engineered to ensure efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients. The matrix has demonstrated stability and biocompatibility, providing immune isolation while preventing biofouling and inflammatory reactions at the implant site.

The bioreactor solves the major limitations of current islet transplantation strategies by enhancing islet viability through controlled oxygen delivery and providing immune protection without the need for immunosuppressive drugs. It also reduces inflammatory responses at the implant site. This technology aims to achieve durable insulin independence and improve the quality of life of patients with type 1 diabetes.

The project is currently in the maturation phase. In vitro validation studies have demonstrated the functionality and viability of pancreatic islets within the bioreactor. The next objective of the maturation phase is to conduct preclinical evaluation in diabetic rat models.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes.