08/06/2015

New Project Launches To Tackle Diabetic Kidney Disease

A new €6m EU Horizon 2020 research project has been launched using stem cell therapy to treat diabetic kidney disease.

The NEPHSTROM project has been funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 programme to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of a next-generation cell therapy discovered by Galway-based Orbsen Therapeutics.

The project will be led by Professor Timothy O'Brien, Director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at the National University of Ireland Galway. The four-year project will test the next-generation stromal (stem) cell therapy, called Cyndacel-M, in a four-site clinical trial treating patients in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England and Italy.

The 'stromal' cells will be purified from healthy donor bone marrow using Orbsen Therapeutics' patented technology, and expanded into multiple 'off-the-shelf' doses for clinical use. By 2016, first-in-man trials will see the stromal cells injected into patients with diabetic kidney disease.

NUI Galway's Professor O'Brien said: "If predictions prove correct, then our healthcare systems are facing a huge task in managing the complications caused by ever-increasing numbers of patients with diabetes mellitusmellitus.

"Chief among such complications will be kidney disease, which has a huge financial cost in terms of current treatments, and takes a massive personal toll on patients. Diabetes is currently the most common cause of end stage kidney disease resulting in the need for dialysis or transplantation.

"We are confident that by harnessing the most modern approaches in stromal cell therapeutics there may well be a way to halt the progression of diabetic kidney disease using this therapy."

(CD/JP)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

13 June 2008
Verdict Due On Makeshift Flamethrower Student
A Limerick Court is awaiting its verdict on a flamethrower stunt by a student that left one man permanently disfigured.
12 August 2014
Cell Search Underway At Portlaoise Prison
Up to 30 mobile phones have been found during a search at Portlaoise maximum security prison this morning. The search operation began at 7am on Tuesday morning and is currently ongoing, according to a report by RTÉ.
28 July 2014
Inmate Dies At Mountjoy Prison
An investigation has been launched after an inmate was found dead in a cell at Mountjoy Prison. It is understood the man, who was in his 30s, was found collapsed in his cell at around 3.30am on Saaturday morning. He was taken to the Mater Hospital, but was pronounced dead a short time later. A post-mortem will be carried out.
27 January 2014
NUI Opens Ireland's First Stem Cell Facility
NUI Galway is to open Ireland's first ever plant to manufacture human stem cells. Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI) is the first facility in Ireland to be granted a license to use stem cells in extensive clinical trials.
31 July 2013
Man Dies In Cell In Co Waterford
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission are carrying out an investigation following the death of a man in a Garda Station in County Waterford. Nathan Kirby, 21, was found dead in a cell in Dungarvan Garda Station at around 12pm on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination will take place at Waterford Regional Hospital today. Foul play is not suspected.