Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease with a shortage of islet β cells. To date, the etiology of T1D remains elusive. Increasing clinical evidence and animal studies demonstrate that autoimmune cells are directed against the nervous system of pancreatic islets, contributing to the development of T1D. Therefore, it highlights the necessity to explore novel clinical approaches to fundamentally correct the T1D autoimmunity not only focusing on islet β cells but also on protecting the islet nervous system. This allows the restoration of the integrity of islet innervation and the normal islet β-cell function.
To address these issues, Throne developed a novel technology designated the Stem Cell Educator therapy, based on immune education by human cord-blood-derived multipotent stem cells (CB-SC). International multicenter clinical trials demonstrated its clinical safety and efficacy to treat T1D and other autoimmune diseases. Stem Cell Educator TM therapy may have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of T1D, without the safety and ethical concerns associated with conventional immune and/or stem cell-based therapies.
For more information, please read the review article that is newly published by Dr. Yong Zhao in the peer-reviewed journal Biomedicines on Feb. 16, 2023.