New research by MU School of Medicine professors Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu could lead to better treatments for Type 1 diabetes.

Their recent publication in Science Advances is the result of 20 years of research from the conception of the immunomodulatory strategy to testing in various small animal models. In a recent study collaborating with Harvard and Georgia Tech faculty, the researchers found that transplanting insulin-producing pancreas cells can successfully treat Type 1 diabetes in a large animal model. The next step is working with industry partners to translate these advances into treatments that could help patients around the world.

Drs. Shirwan and Yolcu are among the first faculty in the new Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building to publish in a high-impact academic journal. They’re also husband and wife.

We’re proud their accomplishments are generating global media buzz, and we look forward to even more NextGen-powered breakthroughs.

— Mun