Background: Transdifferentiation of exocrine pancreatic cells into insulin-secreting cells may be an alternative or a support to islet transplantation-based therapy of Type 1 diabetes. The application relates to a method of generating in vitro insulin-producing beta-cells from dedifferentiated exocrine pancreatic cells using a new formulation of growth factors based on the combination of epidermal growth factor and leukemia-inhibitory factor. Objective/methods: This evaluation summarizes the current literature and the potential therapeutic application of the present patent for P-cell neogenesis. Results/conclusion: As suggested by this patent, the combination of growth factors acting on different intracellular pathways may reverse autoimmunity and increase the results of islet transplantation.
