14
NEWS
During each step, prescribed types and amounts
of growth factors, growth media, and supplements
direct pluripotent stem cells to progress along the
differentiation pathway until they become PEC-01 cells.
Once implanted under the skin of a patient, PEC-01 cells,
which are contained within an implantation device, have
been designed to mature into functional beta cells and
other cells of the islet that control blood glucose levels.
Vertex anticipates the acquisition will close later
this year. ViaCyte has received support for its research
from JDRF and the California Institute of Regenerative
Medicine and has established collaborative partnerships
with leading companies to advance its therapies for T1D.
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that
invests in scientific innovation to create transformative
medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded in
1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters
is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its
international headquarters is in London.
www.vrtx.com
Call to action for
young adults!
Young adult volunteers wanted for a study
of closed loop systems in young adults.
Study coordinator Sam James, who has Type 1 diabetes,
is looking for people 18-25 years old, live in the UK,
have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and have
self-managed the condition for more than a year. You
also need to have moved out of your childhood home in
the last five years, such as going to university, starting
a new job, moving in with someone else.
To find our moret1dpa-project@bristol.ac.uk
Any questions? Contact Sam James direct at t1dpa-project@bristol.ac.uk
Participating in the study will involve filling out consent
forms (roughly 10 minutes) and then a one-to-one
online interview (lasting up to an hour). Volunteers will
receive a Love2shop gift card of £20 for taking part.
ViaCyte PEC-direct.