Human pluripotent stem-cell-derived islets ameliorate diabetes in non-human primates

Human pluripotent stem-cell-derived islets (hPSC-islets) are a promising cell resource for diabetes treatment(1,2). However, this therapeutic strategy has not been systematically assessed in large animal models physiologically similar to humans, such as non-human primates(3). In this study, we generated islets from human chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (hCiPSC-islets) and show that a one-dose intraportal infusion of hCiPSC-islets into diabetic non-human primates effectively restored endogenous insulin secretion and improved glycemic control. Fasting and average pre-prandial blood glucose levels significantly decreased in all recipients, accompanied by meal or glucose-responsive C-peptide release and overall increase in body weight. Notably, in the four long-term follow-up macaques, average hemoglobin A1c dropped by over 2% compared with peak values, whereas the average exogenous insulin requirement reduced by 49% 15 weeks after transplantation. Collectively, our findings show the feasibility of hPSC-islets for diabetic treatment in a preclinical context, marking a substantial step forward in clinical translation of hPSC-islets.

Automated summary

In this study, human chemically induced pluripotent stem cell-derived islets (hCiPSC-islets) were used to treat diabetes in non-human primates. The results showed that a one-dose infusion of hCiPSC-islets effectively restored insulin secretion and improved glycemic control. This study demonstrates the feasibility of hCiPSC-islets for diabetic treatment in a preclinical context.