What are Islet-Like Clusters (ILCs)?

Islet-Like Clusters (ILCs) are iPSC-derived cellular structures designed to closely mimic the insulin-producing islets of the human pancreas. RMS’s proprietary ILCs are generated to closely replicate the composition and function of natural human pancreatic islets. They are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells using RMS’s proprietary differentiation protocols, and contain insulin-producing beta-like cells, glucagon-producing alpha cells, and somatostatin-producing delta cells, reflecting the multi-cellular composition of native pancreatic islets.

RMS’s ILCs have been shown to express key pancreatic markers including NKX6.1 and PDX1, and demonstrate functional insulin production in response to glucose, the core biological function that is lost in diabetes. Morphologically, they closely resemble human cadaveric islets, making them a physiologically relevant model for both research applications and, in their therapeutic form, for transplantation.

ILCs serve two distinct roles within RMS’s program. As a research product, they are available through the ILC Cell Kit for use in diabetes research, drug discovery, and toxicity testing. As a therapeutic candidate, they form the basis of RMS’s iPSC-based diabetes cure currently in preclinical development. The same underlying technology supports both applications, reflecting the depth and versatility of RMS’s iPSC platform.

Learn more about RMS’s ILC Cell Kit for researchers.