Posted by Al Gordon on May 01, 1998 at 23:33:03:
In Reply to: Re: Desmos, Inc. posted by Sandy D. on May 01, 1998 at 23:09:21:
Ken and Sandy,
Some clarification:
1. Desmos are NOT proposing conventional immunosuppression. In fact, they are seeking an encapsulation partner, so that Desmos can concentrate on being a supplier of islets. They state on their web page "Desmos will collaborate to obtain encapsulation technologies in order to address immunoprotection. Without immunoprotection, implanted islet cells are destroyed by the host's immune system. Currently, patients who receive transplants are treated with powerful immunosuppressive drugs that have many undesirable side effects."
2. I suppose if islet proliferation were really practical, then a biopsy of pancreatic tissue from a related donor (a parent, for example) may form the basis for expanding to enough islets to transplant a relative. However, this is something that "sounds good" only because nobody has yet put enough effort into it to unearth all the practical problems.
3. Your assessment of immunosuppression is correct. There are a host of adverse effects, including cancer.
4. As for Desmos' seeking an immunobarrier partner, this is an alliance that will occur naturally if it makes sense. We do not need to start proposing enforced cooperation or other venues to facilitate "sharing". Sharing occurs all the time in the private sector, and it is an organic process that outsiders do not need to encourage or structure.
Al