New islet cell program advances diabetes research

Now one of 10 organizations in national islet cell network

The Norton Islet Cell Research and Transplant Program, housed within Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, has become a member of the Integrated Islet Distribution Program (IIDP). This means the program has now contributed a vital resource to diabetes research efforts – supplying its first round of human pancreatic islet cells to researchers across the country.

Islets are clusters of cells in the pancreas that help make insulin. In people with Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks islet cells, leading to the body’s inability to produce insulin. Islet cells are used for research in diabetes and regenerative medicine, and even can be used for transplantation. Clinical studies have shown donor islet cells transfused into a person with diabetes can enable them to no longer need insulin injections, but more scientific work is needed as this moves toward a routine care option.

Currently, there is a shortage of islet cells available for research. Becoming one of just 10 centers to join the IIDP, the Norton Islet Cell Research and Transplant Program aims to increase that supply.

“Joining the IIDP is a thrilling milestone for our team,” said Balamurugan N. Appakalai, Ph.D., also known as Dr. Bala, leader of the Norton Islet Cell Research & Transplant Program and a faculty member in the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics. “It opens the door to national collaboration and gives our work a direct pathway to impact diabetes research at the highest level. We’re excited not only to contribute to the scientific community, but also to help advance the development of therapies that could change lives.”

The Norton Islet Cell Research and Transplant Program is funded through grants of more than $2 million from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, thanks to donations from the community with lead gifts from the James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation and the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation. This funding helped create a state-of-the-art islet research laboratory and supported the recruitment of scientists who specialize in islet cell research, paving the way to join the IIDP.

“This partnership with the IIDP reflects our commitment to driving innovation where it matters most — right here in our community,” said Lynnie Meyer, R.N., Ed.D., FAHP, CFRE, senior vice president and chief development officer, Norton Healthcare. “By supporting this program, we’re helping to promote discoveries that could transform lives not just in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, but across the country.”

By joining the IIDP, the Norton Islet Cell Research and Transplant Program is helping fill a critical gap in national research efforts. This contribution not only supports scientific progress but also reflects Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s growing role in shaping the future of diabetes treatment.

“This is more than a research initiative, it’s a strategic investment in the future of patient care,” said Kupper A. Wintergerst, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist, Norton Children’s Endocrinology, executive director, Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute and Wendy L. Novak Chair of Pediatric Diabetes Care and Clinical Research. “Our participation in IIDP bolsters our capabilities for offering cutting-edge therapies like islet transplantation and enhances our ability to collaborate with leading scientists across the globe. This ultimately improves our ability to bring the most advanced care options to our patients close to home.”