Douglas Melton Recognized for Pioneering the Process of Converting Stem Cells into Insulin-Producing Beta Cells

The UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE) congratulates Doug Melton, PhD, who was awarded the Doctor Juan Abarca International Award for Medical Sciences for pioneering the process of converting stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells. Dr. Melton is the founder of Harvard's Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory. For over a decade, the UMass DCOE has collaborated with the Melton lab to further characterize these cells’ survival and function in our novel humanized mouse models.  We share a common goal of protecting them from autoimmune attack.  

Dr. Melton is a distinguished research fellow at Vertex Pharmaceuticals where initial studies of people with type 1 diabetes who have received stem cell-derived islet cells (SC-islets) transplanted together with immunosuppressive drugs have shown promising results.  Previously he served as the Director of the JDRF Center of Excellence in New England, a research collaboration with investigators (past and present) from Harvard and UMass Chan Medical Schools, The Jackson Laboratory, Joslin Diabetes Center, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Children’s Hospital. The Center is currently led by David Harlan, MD, co-director of the UMass Chan DCOE.  

“This award recognizing Dr. Melton’s incredible accomplishments is well-deserved,” said Dr. Harlan. “Our shared holy grail is a cell replacement therapy for people living with type 1 diabetes, without the need for immunosuppressive drugs and their often-toxic side effects.”

Scientists in the JDRF Center in New England are investigating genetic engineering of the stem cell-derived islets to promote their survival and function in humans with T1D, and without having to give immunosuppressive drugs to the recipients . Other JDRF Center investigators are studying viruses and their effect on the SC-islets, and how SC-islet metabolism may influence the immune system .    

“We are proud to be producing islets from stem cells at UMass Chan, following the protocols developed by Dr. Melton,” added Dr. Harlan. “We are optimistic that our strategic investigations will provide additional knowledge that will allow us to continue to progress toward the finish line, a cure for those with T1D.” 

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