£2 million awarded for development of beta cell implant for type 1 diabetes

A leading researcher at Imperial College London has been awarded £2 million that will fund ground-breaking research into type 1 diabetes. Dr Victoria Salem from the Department of Bioengineering has been awarded a prestigious Senior Research Fellowship by the Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge - a partnership between the Steve Morgan Foundation, Diabetes UK and JDRF. "The dream for a cell-based cure for type 1 diabetes is now tantalisingly close - I'm so excited and honoured to be a part of this journey." - Dr Victoria Salem Clinical Senior Lecturer in Diabetes and Endocrinology Dr Salem's research will investigate a treatment to replace insulin-producing (beta) cells that are destroyed in type 1 diabetes by the immune system. Through her work, she aims to develop a device that can be implanted into people with the disease to deliver a new supply of beta cells. Dr Salem will use state-of-the-art bioprinting techniques to print a jelly-like protective barrier to shield new lab-made beta cells from the immune system's attack. The protective barrier will be a sanctuary for the beta cells, allowing in vital nutrients that they need to survive. The implant will first be tested in mice to build the evidence needed to take it into clinical trials.