The pancreas, saysGary Lewis, an endocrinologist at Toronto General Hospital and director of the Banting & Best Diabetes Centre at the University of Torontos Temerty Faculty of Medicine, is like an exquisitely sensitive and perfectly networked computer.

Second by second,he notes,the pancreassecretesjust the right amount ofinsulinor glucagontolower or raiseblood sugarintotheportal veinthat leadsdirectlyto the liver, the site of key metabolic processes. Insulingis then distributedto every tissue in the body via general circulation.

Thats one reason a cure for diabetes has proven elusive 100 years after the discovery of insulin.

Another big reason is the complexity of how the disease arises. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, creating a life-threatening spike in blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes usually comes on more slowly, as the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas cant produce enough of it.

Genetics play a role in both types. Exposure to viruses and other environmental effects may be a factor in type 1. Lifestyle factors, including weight gain and physical inactivity, are strongly linked to type 2.

The bottom line, says Lewis, is that diabetes is a multifactoral disease, and were not close to a cure.

Ask about treatments, though, and Lewis gets excited.

The last two decades have brought a plethora of clinical and research advances, from new drugs to boost and sensitize the body to insulin and promote weight loss, to lifestyle interventions that improve diet, continuous monitoring of blood sugar, long- and short-lasting insulin, better insulin pumps, pancreatic transplantsand pre-clinical stem cell and immunosuppressive therapies.

Progress on treatments has been fantastic, especially for type 2, Lewis says. Im very, very hopeful.

The distinction between treatment and cure in medicine is often unclear. And for the 3.6 million Canadians living with diabetes, the distinction matters less and lessif the goal is a full and healthy life.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 per cent of diabetes cases in Canada. Prevalence is rising, but Canadians with type 2 diabetes are living longer and have fewer diabetes-related complications.

The clinic doesnt look like it did 30 years ago, says Lewis, who mainly treats patients with type 2. We see fewer amputees, less blindness. Patients are generally healthier, and their prognosis is often excellent if they maintain their blood sugar target and other key parameters.

Weight loss is a cornerstone of treatments to lower blood sugar, and recent research has strengthened the link between weight reduction and type 2 diabetes management. Some people with type 2 can lose weight and control blood sugar through dietary changes and exercise alone.

Bariatric surgery is very effective for weight loss and often results in diabetes remission, although it comes with surgical risks and is expensive.

If we could prevent obesity, we could greatly reduce the incidence of type 2, Lewis says. And experiments have shown wecan get a remission withlifestyle changes, so we know what works.

The problem is broad implementation.

Ive tried to lose weight and I know how difficult it can be, especially in an environment of convenient and inexpensive calories, Lewis says. Moreover, factors such as income, education, ethnicity, access to healthy food and living conditions can make lifestyle changes that curb obesity nearly impossible.

Social determinants of health are overwhelmingly the most important influence on who gets type 2 diabetes, and how well or poorly they do with it, Lewis says.

Fortunately, dozens of new drugs for diabetes have hit the market in the last two decades.

Medications for weight loss round out the armamentarium, and some also protect against kidney damage and lower cardiac risk. Current therapies can reduce body weight up to 10 per cent, although a loss of 20 per cent or more would have a greater effect on outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes, saysJacqueline Beaudry, an assistant professor of nutritional sciences at U of T who studies links between obesity, hormones and diet.

Beaudry is probing the biology that underpins these medications, including the gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP. They control blood glucose and reduce appetite, but scientists are unsure how.

If we could understand their mechanisms of action, we could design better drugs, Beaudry says.

For people with type 1 diabetes, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and even automated closed-loopsystems that run on mobile apps to deliver insulin as-needed have radically changed the patient experience.

Sara Vasconcelos left),an assistant professor at U of Ts Institute of Biomedical Engineering, has worked withCristina Nostro (right), an associate professor in the department of physiology,and her team in the McEwen Stem Cell Institute at UHNto extend the survival and functionality of pancreatic precursor cells generatedfrom human stem cells.

Cell therapy could prove more liberating still.

University labs and biotechs are working on implantable devices that house insulin-producing cells derived from stem cells.

To that end,Cristina Nostro, an associate professor in the department of physiology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine,and her team in the McEwen Stem Cell Institute at University Health Network recently discovered a more efficient way to generate and purify pancreatic precursor cells from human stem cells in the lab.

They have also found a way to vascularize those cells by working withSara Vasconcelos, an assistant professor at U of Ts Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Together, they have extended the survival and functionality of the cells in animal models of diabetes.

The biggest problem with these therapies is that the immune system rejects them. The same challenge currently hinders pancreas and islet transplants.

The immune system is an amazing machine, were luckyits so good, says Nostro. But its very difficult to control when it goes awry, as in autoimmune conditions.

Nostro is working with immunologists at the university on a method to protect insulin-producing beta cells from immune rejection, and she says many researchers in the field are now focused on immune-protective approaches.

Another strategy for type 1 diabetes is to tamp down the autoimmune response before the disease progresses. The idea is to prevent immune cells that damage the pancreas while the body still produces beta cells.

Groups around the world are bringing different ideas and creative approaches to treat type 1 diabetes, thats the beauty of science, says Nostro. I am very hopeful about what the future holds. Who knows? Maybe we will see hybrid technologies combining a pump and cells. We have to keep an open mind.

This story was originally published in U of T Med Magazines Insulin Issue.

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Insulin 100: How the road to a diabetes cure is yielding better treatments - News@UofT

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLBS) (“Caladrius” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of cellular therapies designed to reverse disease, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted orphan drug designation to the Company’s CD34+ cell therapy product, CLBS12, for the treatment of Buerger’s disease – also known as thromboangiitis obliterans – a condition related to critical limb ischemia (“CLI”) with no approved treatments to date in the U.S. .

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Saniona Receives Feedback from U.S. FDA Providing a Regulatory Path Forward for Tesomet in Hypothalamic Obesity

Dr. Paul Walker will remain on the Board of Directors focusing on the seamless transition of management and on ensuring continuity of the Tigris Trial

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Spectral Medical Announces the Appointment of Chris Seto to CEO

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gritstone Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRTS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing the next generation of cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies, today announced two promotions within its leadership team. Karin Jooss, Ph.D., previously the company’s executive vice president of research and chief scientific officer, has been appointed to the position of head of research and development. Erin Jones, M.S., who served as the company’s executive vice president of global regulatory affairs and quality, has been appointed to the position of chief operating officer (COO).

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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGS), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in viral and liver diseases, today announced that the company delivered a presentation on its SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitor candidate, ALG-097111, at the 28th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, being held virtually March 6 to March 10, 2021, during the meeting’s Science Spotlight sessions on Saturday, March 6. Aligos performed all research in collaboration with Belgian University KU Leuven, in particular its Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3), and the Rega Institute for Medical Research.

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Aligos Therapeutics Presents Nonclinical Data for its COVID-19 Therapeutic in Development at the 2021 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic...

SAN DIEGO, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TRACON Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TCON), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel targeted therapeutics for cancer and utilizing a product development platform to partner with ex-U.S. companies to develop and commercialize innovative products in the U.S., announced today the appointment of Lisa Johnson-Pratt, M.D., Senior Vice President, New Product Planning at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IONS), to its Board of Directors.

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TORONTO, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silo Wellness Inc. (“Silo Wellness” or “the Company”) (CSE: SILO), a wellness company in the psychedelics and functional mushroom marketplaces, is pleased to announce that on Saturday, March 6, Silo launched its second ketamine-assisted psychedelic wellness retreat on the iconic McKenzie River in Oregon and third psychedelic retreat in 2021.

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CARLSBAD, Calif., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: QLGN), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases, announced today that Michael Poirier, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Qualigen, will present at the Oppenheimer 31st Annual Healthcare Conference being held March 16-18 2021.

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TORONTO, CHICAGO and MONTREAL, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the “Company” or “Medexus”) (TSXV: MDP) (OTCQX: MEDXF) (Frankfurt: P731) announced today that Ken d’Entremont, Chief Executive Officer, and Roland Boivin, Chief Financial Officer of Medexus, will be conducting 1x1 meetings with investors during the 33rd Annual Roth Conference being held virtually from March 15th – March 17th, 2021.

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AUSTIN, Texas, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cassava Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SAVA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing product candidates for Alzheimer’s disease, has been invited to present at the H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference, a virtual event being held Tuesday, March 9th, and Wednesday, March 10th, 2021. Management is scheduled to present and will participate in virtual one-on-one meetings with institutional analysts and investors throughout the conference.

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Cassava Sciences to Present at the H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference

San Diego, Calif., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skye Bioscience, Inc. (OTCQB: SKYE) (“SKYE” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing proprietary, synthetic cannabinoid-derived molecules to treat glaucoma and other diseases with significant unmet need, announced today the appointment of scientific innovators and cannabinoid experts, Giovanni Appendino, PhD and Eduardo Muñoz, MD, PhD to its scientific advisory board.

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Skye Bioscience Appoints Cannabinoid Science Experts Giovanni Appendino, PhD and Eduardo Muñoz, MD, PhD to Scientific Advisory Board

LA JOLLA, Calif, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INmune Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: INMB) (the “Company” or “INmune”), a clinical-stage immunology company focused on developing treatments that harness a patient’s innate immune system to fight disease, today announced that its management team is scheduled to participate in two upcoming virtual investor conferences in March 2021.

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INmune Bio, Inc. Announces Participation at Upcoming Virtual Investor Conferences in March 2021

VANCOUVER, British Columbia and CARLSBAD, Calif., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canary Medical today announced that it has been named by Fierce Medtech as one of 2020’s Fierce 15, designating it as one of the most promising private companies in the industry.

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SAN DIEGO, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIM® Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AXIM) (“AXIM® Biotech,” “AXIM” or “the Company”), an international healthcare solutions company targeting oncological and COVID-19 research, announced today that it has successfully completed point-of-care clinical trials on its much awaited ImmunoPass rapid test that semi-quantitatively measures levels of COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies to help understand COVID-19 immunity, validate vaccine’s effectiveness and estimate how long the vaccine will be effective in patients.

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AXIM® Biotechnologies Successfully Completes Point-of-Care Clinical Trials on its Rapid COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Test

? Compositions and Methods for Enhancing Anti-viral Therapies ?

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XORTX Files New Provisional Patent to Treat and Protect Individuals Most at Risk to Severe Viral Infection

Marks important milestone towards development of Ampligen as a potential prophylaxis or treatment for COVID-19 and other respiratory viral diseases Marks important milestone towards development of Ampligen as a potential prophylaxis or treatment for COVID-19 and other respiratory viral diseases

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AIM ImmunoTech Announces First Healthy Subjects Dosed in Phase 1 Intranasal Ampligen Clinical Study

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgraFlora Organics International Inc. (“AgraFlora” or the “Company”) (CSE: AGRA) (Frankfurt: PU31) (OTCPK: AGFAF) is pleased to announce that Elise Coppens has been appointed as AgraFlora’s new Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and a member of the Company’s board of directors (“Director”) effective March 8, 2021, subject to the final acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”). During her career in the Canadian cannabis industry, Ms. Coppens’ roles have included but are not limited to serving as President of Bloomera, Marketing Director for Aurora Cannabis and the Director of International Sales for Ample Organics.

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cytovia Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing allogeneic “off-the-shelf” gene-edited Natural Killer (NK) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-NK cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), announced today that its management will be presenting and participating in panel discussions at the following industry conferences:

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Global continues the fight against COVID-19 by now offering the vaccine

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Global WholeHealth Partners Corp (OTC:GWHP) to Announce that Global is Now Offering the AstraZeneca Vaccines as Mentioned in 8K Filing on 03/02/21