Stem cell factory to be created for diabetes patients

An experimental therapy programme is being set up to help patients at risk of developing diabetes-related kidney problems.

The programme, which is being run by NHS Blood and Transplant, will involve injecting patients with stromal cells in order to slow down or halt tissue damage, thereby removing the necessity for transplants or dialysis. The cells will be grown from donated human bone marrow.

48 patients are taking part in the study. Some of the patients will receive the injection of stromal cells, at varying doses, and the remainder of the patients will receive a dummy injection.

End stage kidney disease is currently killing around 40,000 people a year in the UK, diabetes being the most common cause of this condition, and stromal cells are able to release proteins that reduce inflammation in the kidneys.

Around three in four diabetes patients go on to develop kidney disease, which is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply the kidneys. The condition can be delayed or prevented by controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Professor Timothy O’Brien, who is leading the project, said “Diabetic kidney disease is very common, so any therapy that could slow down the progression of this disease would have a significant impact.”

Dr Eric Austin of NHS Blood and Transplant, said “This is an exciting project for us to be involved with – especially as the treatment has the potential to lead to lifesaving outcomes for a major illness.”

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