Dr. Greg Korbutt & Dr. Andrew Pepper
Revolutionizing Islet Cell Transplantation
The Edmonton Protocol — a world-famous procedure for transplanting insulin-producing cells, born in Alberta. However, it currently faces two major hurdles: a shortage of donor cells and the need for lifelong anti-rejection drugs.
Drs. Greg Korbutt and Andrew Pepper are leading the charge to overcome these challenges with a three-pillar approach to research.
Breaking Barriers to a Universal Cure
“By addressing key challenges in transplantation, this research is paving the way for transformative diabetes care that could benefit countless individuals worldwide.”
A Three-Pillar Solution
1. Creating a Better "Home" (Subcutaneous Scaffolds)
Currently, cells are transplanted into the liver, which has limited space. This team is moving the transplant site to the subcutaneous site (under the skin).
Bio-active Scaffolds: They have developed tiny, flexible structures (scaffolds) made of medical-grade materials that safely dissolve in the body.
Oxygen & Growth: These scaffolds release special factors that encourage vascularization (the growth of new blood vessels), ensuring the transplanted cells receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and thrive.
2. Solving the Supply Shortage (Porcine Islet Cells)
Human donor cells are scarce. The team is investigating the use of Neonatal Porcine Islet Cells (cells from young pigs) as a safe and virtually limitless supply of insulin-producing cells. This advancement could expand access to life-changing transplants to everyone who needs them.
3. Improving Safety (Targeted Anti-Rejection Medication)
Traditional anti-rejection drugs can have harsh side effects. The team is developing a way to deliver medicine directly to the transplant site using microparticles (microscopic, time-released delivery pods). This "targeted" approach protects the new cells while reducing the need for drugs that affect the whole body.
Why this is a breakthrough:
A Safer "Home" for Cells: Moving transplants from the liver to just under the skin makes the procedure much less invasive and provides a safer, more controlled environment for the cells to thrive.
Ending the Waitlist: Using porcine (pig) cells could solve the global shortage of donor organs, providing a life-saving treatment to everyone who needs it, regardless of donor availability.
Precision Protection: By delivering anti-rejection medicine directly to the transplant site, we can protect the new cells while significantly reducing the side effects that usually come with these powerful drugs.
The Evolution of the Edmonton Protocol: This work takes Alberta’s most famous medical breakthrough and upgrades it, making it simpler, more effective, and ready for the modern world.
The ECECAF Impact
Vital Tools for Clinical Application
Advancements of this scale require specialized technology. With the generous support of the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund (ECECAF), Drs. Korbutt and Pepper acquired a Fluidnatek Electrospinning Machine.
This clinical-grade equipment is a game-changer. It allows the team to manufacture their medical scaffolds with high precision, ensuring they meet the strict standards required for use in human patients.
Align your brand with world-class innovation! Corporate donations and sponsorships provide the high-level funding needed for large-scale clinical trials.
ECECAF representatives present a cheque to ADF at the Hummingbirds Awards Gala 2024
Commercialization & Clinical Trials
The team is rapidly preparing to bring this technology to hospitals.
Key Objectives:
Transcyto Inc.: They have launched a spin-off company to manage the commercialization (the process of bringing a product to the public market) of these life-saving tools.
Phase I/II Clinical Trials: The team is currently finalizing the regulatory work to launch human clinical trials in Edmonton, focusing on proving the safety and effectiveness of their subcutaneous scaffolds.
Be Part of the Change
The journey to a world without diabetes is a shared mission.
Major breakthroughs happen because of your support. Individuals, community groups, and businesses are invited to join the Alberta Diabetes Foundation in funding discoveries like this. Every dollar stays right here in Alberta!
