First Xenotransplant Patient Makes Stable Progress

NEWS RELEASE

4 December 2009

First Xenotransplant Patient Makes Stable Progress

The Centre for Clinical Research and Effective Practice (CCRep), advised today that the first patient with type 1 diabetes to receive a xenotransplant of encapsulated porcine pancreatic islet cells in October as part of the clinical trial they are conducting, is progressing satisfactorily.

Endocrinologist and the trial's Principal Investigator Dr John Baker, said the 48 year old man, who has had type 1 diabetes for 20 years, suffered no ill effects and has been able to reduce his usual insulin dose by 30% at 8 weeks post-transplant, while maintaining his usual blood glucose levels.

"The procedure was carried out by a surgical team here at Middlemore Hospital, and we are monitoring the patient closely as the weeks pass. Patient safety is our first concern with this trial and we are satisfied with what has transpired so far," he said.

Further patients are still being sought for the trial, which is being conducted under strict clinical protocols set by the Minister of Health, using Living Cell Technologies' DIABECELL® product.

Dr Baker expects a second patient to receive a transplant some time this month and a further two early in the new year. A total of eight patients will eventually receive transplants in the current trial and will undergo close monitoring during the first year post-surgery with further long term follow-up.

ENDS

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