Research surgeons from Nancy are looking into the creation of a bio-artificial pancreas. If it is still only a project, this membrane could well change the lives of diabetics. 

The project is "ambitious, innovative". This is how he is presented by the operational director of the Nancy School of Surgery. 
Since 1996, Defymed, an Alsatian biotechnology company, has been working on the creation of a bio-artificial pancreas. It takes the form of a pocket that contains insulin-secreting cells. 
In a person with type 1 diabetes, the disease results in the destruction of insulin-producing cells. This hormone is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Without insulin, the patient may end up in a state of hyperglycemia. 

The only means of treatment today are insulin injections or pancreatic transplants, which carry the risk of rejection. The patient is  therefore in the obligation to follow an anti-rejection treatment. 

The bio-artificial pancreas offers an alternative to these transplants, but without the risk of rejection. Implanted in the patient's belly, it could allow him to live with his diabetes without worrying about it. 
A real little revolution if the project were to materialize. 

But after its creation, it is now time for testing. 
For three years, a team of research surgeons from Transvie Médical, an SME Spin-off from the Nancy School of Surgery, will implant this membrane in animals, in particular mini-pigs. If the trials are conclusive, this bio-artificial pancreas could be tested in humans in 2015 or 2016.