Regenerative medicine technologies applied to beta cell replacement: The industry perspective

Abstract Several beta cell replacement therapies have commenced the preclinical and clinical development. Some of the most advanced technologies are pluripotent cell-derived therapies packaged within immune-protective devices. If clinically validated, and made practical for widespread use, these technologies could upend long-established industries focused on diabetes management and care of diabetes-related morbidity. There is justifiable excitement among researchers and investors, and accelerating participation by established pharmaceutical companies. However, questions relating to the practicality of the therapy and the size of the target patient population, and concerns related to the pricing strategy and regulatory path have tempered optimism among industry watchers. It is unknown whether the technology has advanced enough to cause major transformation in the treatment of diabetes in the short term, or whether a more gradual shift over the long-term should be anticipated.