Aspect Biosystems announced today that it entered into a partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
The partnership will support Aspect’s focus on developing a bioengineered tissue therapeutic for type 1 diabetes that will provide insulin independence and control of blood sugar without the need for chronic immune suppression.
Vancouver, British Columbia-based Aspect said in a news release that, in addition to financial support for the development efforts, JDRF will contribute strategic support through its expertise and network in the diabetes space.
Using proprietary bioprinting technology, therapeutic cells and materials science, Aspect is developing a pipeline of cell-based tissue therapeutics for replacing or repairing damaged organ functions.
“Together with JDRF, we are aligned on the mission to develop a curative therapy for the millions of patients around the world who are affected by type 1 diabetes,” Aspect Biosystems CEO Tamer Mohamed said in the release. “This partnership will help advance our cutting-edge pancreatic tissue program and bring us a step closer to human trials.”
The company said its therapeutics are rationally engineered to be biologically functional, immune-protective and suitable for surgical implantation in the treatment of diseases such as type 1 diabetes.
“For more than 20 years, JDRF has been a leader in cell-based tissue therapy research for type 1 diabetes,” JDRF Assistant VP of Research Esther Latres said. “This funding partnership with Aspect Biosystems will support and continue scientific advancements in the field and undeniably take us closer to finding a cure.”
