Stem Cell Related Patent Number US7078231

Human pancreatic epithelial progenitor cells and methods of isolation and use thereof

Roberts, Penelope E; Millbrae, CA, United States of America
Mather, Jennie Powell; Millbrae, CA, United States of America

Described herein is a population of human pancreatic progenitor cells which can differentiate into functional exocrine or endocrine cells. The invention relates to a substantially pure population of human pancreatic progenitor cells and methods of isolating and culturing the pancreatic progenitor cells by careful manipulation of the microenvironment. Methods are described by which multiple passages are attainable such that the pancreatic progenitor cells do not senesce and are capable of becoming functional exocrine or endocrine cells. Also included are applications as immunogens in cell and gene therapy, and as a way of providing cell therapy to a human recipient lacking or having functionally defective pancreatic epithelial cells.

Application Number: US2002000119601

Date Filed: 04/09/02

Dated Published: 07/18/06

Assignee: Raven biothechnologies, inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States of America