Scientists are making progress with an implantable capsule that continuously produces insulin and releases it to the bloodstream. It contains insulin-secreting cells that borrow nutrients from the body to keep producing insulin indefinitely. The University of Illinois biomedical engineer developed the capsule with funding from the National Science Foundation. He presented his results at a recent meeting of the American Vacuum Society; they were also published in the November 2001 issue of Transactions in Biomedical Engineering.

The capsule's developers have also overcome biocompatibility problems, which have been an obstacle to other implantable devices. Using microchip technology, they have succeeded in creating a capsule that won't be attacked and destroyed by the body's immune system.

Testing for long-term usage and determining the ideal dosage level are the next steps in the product's development. It is several years away from being available for general use.

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Sources:  Diabetes Week. Implantable capsule can release steady supply of insulin, Nov. 9, 2001.