Diabetes
Research
Patient-Derived iPSC Islet Models for Precision Diabetes Research
Patient-derived stem cell islet models for precision diabetes research and mechanism-driven drug discovery
Decoding Human Disease Mechanisms
We develop tailor-made, patient-derived stem cell islets at scale (from hundreds of diabetic patients) that recapitulate human diabetes biology at the mechanistic level. By combining iPSC technology with advanced molecular and omics profiling, our models resolve early β‑cell stress pathways, dysfunction trajectories, and patient-specific disease heterogeneity, enabling direct interrogation of disease mechanisms in human tissue context.
Our platform is designed to support biotech and pharma partners in mechanism-of-action (MoA) studies, target validation, and predictive drug discovery. By providing access to human-relevant, disease-driven model systems, we enable precise evaluation of therapeutic interventions and accelerate the development of effective, mechanism-based treatments in diabetes.
Our Platform
Human-Relevant Disease Modelling
We combine induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology with advanced molecular and omics profiling to create disease-relevant pancreatic islet models derived directly from patients. Unlike conventional systems, our models capture early-stage disease biology and inter-patient variability, enabling more predictive and translatable insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rationale for not using allogeneic disease models?
Allogeneic, one-size-fits-all approaches struggle to recapitulate the complex, heterogenous nature of diabetes and thus leads to ineffective drug treatment regimens and risks graft rejection in beta cell replacement therapy. Those models do not account for contributing factors that a patient acquires over the course of a lifetime. With our approach we seek to answer the fundamental question if disease mechanisms are conserved in patient blood cells and if that could be leveraged for advanced disease modelling or cell therapy.
Are autologous, patient-derived disease models sustainable?
Yes, we believe that automation, barcoding, multiplexing and the increased power of compute will allow us to overcome major hurdles in autologous approaches, will streamline processes and minimize costs to such an extent, that patient-centred approaches are sustainable and will prevail as the gold standard in the near future.
What if stem cell islets from patients do not recapitulate disease mechanisms?
We would pivot into beta cell replacement therapy using our access to state-of-the-art GMP facilities. If disease mechanisms are not conserved, those stem cell islets come with the prospect of immunosuppressant free cell therapies even beyond the scope of diabetes.
Do you need viruses or specialized equipment for reprogramming blood cells into induced pluripotent stem cells?
No, we do not use viruses for transduction, instead we use state-of-the-art non-viral transduction techniques that don’t require specialized equipment. Every standard laboratory can perform these methods.