Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in the inability to produce sufficient insulin. At our company, we are at the forefront of Type 1 diabetes drug and therapy development services, aiming to provide specialized solutions to global pharmaceutical companies.
Overview of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, encompasses an autoimmune condition whereby the immune system erroneously targets and eradicates the insulin-producing beta cells found in the pancreas. The autoimmune response characteristic of type 1 diabetes entails the infiltration of immune cells, including T lymphocytes and macrophages, into the pancreatic islets. These immune cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic molecules that contribute to the destruction of beta cells. The resultant loss of beta cell mass ultimately culminates in insulin deficiency and the manifestation of type 1 diabetes symptoms.
Fig.1 Mechanisms of immune tolerance and therapeutics in T1D. (Warshauer J T., et al., 2020)
Drug Discovery and Development for Type 1 Diabetes
The primary therapeutic for type 1 diabetes is exogenous insulin administration, which can be delivered through various methods, including injections, insulin pumps, and inhalation devices.
In addition to insulin therapy, other drug therapies are being developed to enhance glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications. Some of the emerging drug classes include:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitors)
- Immunomodulatory therapies
At our company, we are dedicated to developing innovative therapies for type 1 diabetes that go beyond insulin replacement. If you would like to learn more about our therapy development services, please click on the link below.
Our Services
To provide personalized therapy development solutions, we are also committed to advancing type 1 diabetes diagnostics development services.
- Biomarker discovery: We employ cutting-edge technologies to identify and validate novel biomarkers associated with type 1 diabetes.
- Genetic testing: Our genetic testing services utilize state-of-the-art sequencing technologies to analyze relevant genetic variants associated with type 1 diabetes susceptibility.
Disease models play a vital role in developing new therapeutics for type 1 diabetes. We offer comprehensive disease model development services to evaluate type 1 diabetes therapeutics.
Virus-Induced Models
Viruses such as Coxsackievirus and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) have been implicated in triggering T1D. By infecting animal models with these viruses, we can induce an immune response that targets pancreatic beta cells.
Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mouse Models
The NOD mice spontaneously develop autoimmune diabetes, exhibiting similar characteristics to the human disease. Our expertise in breeding and maintaining NOD mouse colonies ensures the availability of high-quality models for T1D research purposes.
Transfer Models
Transfer models involve the transfer of immune cells or antibodies from one animal to another, resulting in the development of T1D symptoms. Our company excels in the development of transfer models, including splenocyte transfer models and T cell transfer models.
Human Hematolymphoid Engraftment Models
Using immunodeficient mice with targeted mutations in genes involved in human immune system development, we can achieve superior engraftment and function of human hematolymphoid cells. Our expertise in humanization protocols ensures the successful development of these models.
We specialize in developing cell-based models that allow for the investigation of immune cell responses against patient-derived β cells. By differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into pancreatic endocrine cells, including β cells, we create a platform that closely resembles the in vivo scenario.
Our company excels in organoid models development, specifically focusing on pancreatic organoids that mimic the cellular composition and functionality of the pancreas. These organoids consist of multiple cell types, including β cells, α cells, and immune cells, allowing for the study of their interactions.
We offer preclinical research services to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action of potential therapeutic candidates. In addition to the aforementioned services and models, we also provide customized solutions and develop disease models that cater specifically to your unique needs. If our services have piqued your interest, please do not hesitate to contact us.
References
- Warshauer Jeremy T., Jeffrey A. Bluestone, and Mark S. Anderson. "New frontiers in the treatment of type 1 diabetes." Cell metabolism 31.1 (2020): 46-61.
- von Scholten B.J., et al. "Current and future therapies for type 1 diabetes." Diabetologia 64 (2021): 1037-1048.