How is RMS developing a cure for diabetes?

RMS is developing a prospective functional cure for diabetes using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. The approach begins with the reprogramming of adult cells, either from the patient themselves or from a donor cell line, into iPSCs. These iPSCs are then directed, through RMS’s proprietary differentiation protocols, to develop into Islet-Like Clusters (ILCs): cellular structures that closely replicate the composition and function of natural human pancreatic islets, including insulin-producing beta cells, glucagon-producing alpha cells, and somatostatin-producing delta cells.

Once transplanted into a patient, RMS’s ILCs are designed to restore the body’s ability to sense blood glucose and produce insulin in response, the fundamental biological function that diabetes destroys. The goal is a functional cure: a one-time intervention designed to eliminate the need for ongoing insulin therapy and restore natural metabolic regulation. This remains to be demonstrated in human clinical trials, which RMS is actively working toward.

The therapy is being developed in both autologous form (using the patient’s own cells) and allogeneic form (using a standardized donor-derived iPSC line), offering flexibility for different patient populations and manufacturing approaches. RMS is currently in preclinical development and is preparing an IND submission as the next step toward human clinical trials.

Learn more about RMS’s prospective diabetes cure.