Scientists at Novocell, Inc. have turned human embryonic stem cells (hES) into pancreatic cells that can produce insulin. After implantation into lab mice, the hES cells generate into glucose responsive endocrine cells and produce insulin. More research needs to be done before trials can begin in humans.

Currently beta cells are transplanted from donors with varied success, due to the risk of rejection. The shortage of donors means that transplants are available to only a few. Implanting stem cells that have the ability to turn into insulin producing cells, might someday provide a way to reverse type 1 diabetes.

In a quote from a Novocell, Inc. press release, Emmanuel Baetge, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Novocell said, ”Our data provide the first compelling evidence that hES cells can serve as a renewable source of functional insulin producing cells for diabetes cell replacement therapies,” He goes on to say, “It also provides strong evidence that hES cell-derived endoderm cells are able to generate glucose-responsive insulin secreting cells that are functionally similar to adult human beta cells.”

Dr. Baetge is also the senior author of the study that appeared in this month's Nature Biotechnology journal.

More from your diabetes guide...

• What do You Think About Stem Cell Research?
• A.D.A.M. Healthcare Center: What is Stem Cell Research?

Photo courtesy of Caren Brinkema/Getty Images