delphistem is developing a stem cell-based therapy designed to restore natural insulin production in individuals with diabetes. This approach utilizes the patient's own cells to create a treatment that is non-invasive and scalable. The company focuses on providing a cost-effective solution for diabetes management that insurers can cover.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for diabetes primarily manage symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause of the disease, which is the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. These treatments often require lifelong medication or insulin injections and do not restore the body's natural ability to regulate blood sugar.
Solution
Delphistem is developing a regenerative stem cell therapy designed to restore natural insulin production in individuals with diabetes. The process involves collecting cells from a non-invasive urine sample, reprogramming and differentiating these cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and then further differentiating them into functional, insulin-producing beta cells. These differentiated cells are then placed in a biocompatible encapsulation device and implanted under the skin, where they function like natural pancreatic beta cells, releasing insulin in response to rising glucose levels. This approach aims to provide long-term insulin independence by addressing the root cause of diabetes.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals with diabetes seeking a regenerative therapy to restore natural insulin production and eliminate the need for lifelong medication or insulin injections.
Features
- Non-invasive cell collection using a urine sample.
- Proprietary protocol for reprogramming cells into iPSCs and differentiating them into functional beta cells.
- Biocompatible encapsulation device to protect implanted cells from immune system attack.
- Subcutaneous delivery of cells, eliminating the need for major surgery.
- Technology validated in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating glucose-responsive insulin secretion in small animal models.
- Preparing for preclinical pig trial (Q4 2025).