Beta testing in diabetes

Conventional wisdom holds that the only way to generate new islet cells in people with type 1 diabetes is through cell therapy. A trio of recent deals, however, suggests that some companies and not-for-profit organizations are betting on a different approach. All three collaborations involve the use of small molecules or peptides to accomplish the task of making more insulin-producing cells.

First, a March deal between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International(JDRF), Pfizer Inc., Hadassah Medical Organization and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem will screen undisclosed small molecules from the pharma company for the ability to replicate and regenerate b cells. The two Israeli institutes will carry out the screens, and JDRF and Pfizer will provide research funding...