MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A population of high-health 'medical-
grade' pigs may be the missing link for the diabetes cure. By raising premier
source pigs in a biosecure facility, Spring Point Project, a non-profit
organization created to expedite the widespread availability of islet tissue
(insulin-producing cells of the pancreas), is taking an important step on the
path to realize the cure for diabetes.
Spring Point Project is pleased to announce that recently several litters
of second generation piglets have been born in the Diabetes Research and
Wellness Foundation (DRWF) Islet Resource Facility, a biosecure animal
facility in Western Wisconsin built and operated by Spring Point Project. The
birth of these piglets signifies exciting advancements for the organization
because these are the first pigs that can serve as donor of islet cells
suitable for transplantation in diabetes patients.
In partnership with the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and
Transplantation of the University of Minnesota, Spring Point Project works
closely in providing the science and technology needed to move toward the cure
for diabetes. First clinical trials are slated to start within a year and a
half, and Spring Point Project will provide the donor animals of islets to be
transplanted in patients with diabetes.
The organization's progress is getting recognized. Spring Point Project is
a finalist for the 2008 Tekne Biotechnology Award. Presented by the Minnesota
High Tech Association in partnership with LifeScience Enterprise and Alley
Minnesota, this award honors companies that excel in the field of agriculture,
food, science and pharmaceuticals and is a celebration of superior
technological innovation.
"The Tekne Award recognition, in response to our innovative high-tech
biotechnology efforts and achievements generating 'medical grade' pigs, is a
monumental accomplishment for Spring Point Project and its staff," says Spring
Point Project CEO Henk-Jan Schuurman, PhD, who is an experienced researcher in
the field of xenotransplantation -- the transplantation of living cells,
tissues or organs from one species to another.
"Spring Point Project's expertise and commitment bring us in the forefront
of technological advances. With unique science and technology, we will soon be
able to provide a 'fix' for diabetes patients by using islet tissue from the
'medical grade' pigs in our facility."
Other groups working in xenotransplantation see Spring Point Project more
and more as a leader in this arena as well. Various organizations in the
United States, Japan, China and Europe are approaching Spring Point Project
about the process for generating 'clean' pigs for transplantation in humans.
Inside the DRWF Islet Resource Facility, a highly skilled team actively
cares for the pigs, which are fed special food and given disinfected water to
drink and filtered air to breathe. Currently the facility houses approximately
100 pigs.
"There are very few buildings of this kind in the world, and we are
fortunate to have top-class people to manage our facility and care for the
pigs," says Tom Cartier, chairman of Spring Point Project. "Ongoing
fundraising will allow these pigs to provide a new way of life for patients
with diabetes and free them from this horrible disease. In coming years, we
expect patients with diabetes to be able to lead lives free of insulin
injections."
As a nonprofit organization, Spring Point Project heavily depends on
donations. The cost of breeding and maintaining these medical-grade pigs is
roughly $50 per day per pig. One program in fundraising is the Sponsor a Pig
Program, in which it is possible to sponsor a pig for various days in the
facility.
To date approximately $13 million has been raised toward the goal of $26
million necessary to get the organization through the first clinical trials.
Donations to Spring Point Project can be made at
www.springpointproject.org/giving .
About Spring Point Project
Spring Point Project is a nonprofit organization with the mission to
provide an unlimited source of pig islet cells to accelerate the availability
and affordability of islet transplantation to cure diabetes. Spring Point
Project and the University of Minnesota work in partnership to provide the
source and science needed to move toward a cure for diabetes.
The Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation (DRWF), a not-for-profit
worldwide network based in Washington, DC, has made a substantial contribution
of $6.2 million to Spring Point Project. In recognition of this significant
donation, the Islet Resource Facility was named after the DRWF.
The Ryan Companies US, Inc., a leading national commercial real estate
firm led by third-generation family members, is another major donor to Spring
Point Project. Pat and Ann Ryan and Jim and Colleen Ryan have contributed $3
million. Their donation included personal gifts and contributions through the
company. In addition, the company built the facility in which Spring Point
Project's research is conducted. For more information about the Ryan
Companies, visit www.ryancompanies.com .
The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth,
sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based
economy through public-policy advocacy, member collaboration and education,
and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that
represents Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include
organizations of every size -- involved in virtually every aspect of
technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA
works in partnership with AeA, which represents Minnesota's technology
organizations nationally.
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