Clinical Application of Stem Cell Educator Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease that causes a deficit of pancreatic islet beta cells. Millions of individuals worldwide have T1D, and incidence increases annually. Several recent clinical trials point to the need for an approach that produces comprehensive immune modulation at both the local pancreatic and systemic levels. Stem Cell Educator (SCE) therapy offers comprehensive immune modulation at both the local and systemic levels in T1D by using a patient's own immune cells (including platelets) that are educated by cord blood stem cells. Tested clinically in more than 200 patients, SCE therapy has shown lasting reversal in autoimmunity in T1D patients, including improved C-peptide levels, reduced median glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) values, and decreased median daily usage of insulin. SCE therapy circulates a patient's blood through a blood cell separator, briefly cocultures the patient's immune cells with adherent Cord Blood Stem Cells (CB-SCs) in vitro, and returns the educated autologous immune cells to the patient's circulation.
• Adult patients ( 14 years)
• Must have a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus based on the 2015 American Diabetes Association criteria for the Clarification and Diagnosis of diabetes.
• Must have a blood test confirming the presence of at least one autoantibody to pancreatic islet Cells (IAA, IA2, GAD 65, ZnT8).
• Fasting C-peptide level \> 0.3 ng/ml
• HbA1C \< 10% at enrollment
• Recent diagnosis (within two years of enrollment)
• Adequate venous access for apheresis
• Must be equipped with a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)
• Ability to provide informed consent
⁃ For female patients only, willingness to use FDA-recommended birth control (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/FreePublications/UCM356451.pdf) until 6 months post treatment.
⁃ Must agree to comply with all study requirements and be willing to complete all study visits