A MEDICAL research centre which aims to develop a cure for Type One diabetes has opened its doors.

The Newcastle Isolation and Innovation Hub will develop pioneering cell transplantation techniques and test new drugs which could provide a breakthrough in the fight against the disease.

The lab will provide Newcastle University research scientists with a supply of human islet cells - which are found in the pancreas and release insulin.

James Shaw, professor of regenerative medicine for diabetes at Newcastle University said: “We hope that the research we are doing will one day mean that eventually insulin won’t be required for any type of diabetes.

“Our first goal is to pioneer islet cell transplant therapy for diabetes, delivering long-term freedom from insulin injections without the need for toxic anti-rejection drugs.

“In parallel, the Hub will provide scientists with human islet cells to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of diabetes on the pancreas with the aim of finding curative new drug treatments.”

The Newcastle Isolation and Innovation Hub is one of the first of its kind in the UK.

Tissue and high quality islet cells from donated pancreases will be generated within the Hub for researchers of the Regenerative Medicine for Diabetes group at Newcastle University.

The scientists aim to make cell transplantation - taking cells from a donated pancreas and planting them into a patient - a safe and routine procedure for Type One diabetic patients at highest risk of complications.

Prof Shaw said: “The overarching goal is to develop new tablet treatments which will enable cells in the pancreas to start making insulin again.

“We aim to provide a unique bank of pancreas tissue and cells obtained from people with diabetes.

“Our research and clinical practice has been building towards this service for the last 15 years which will benefit scientists working towards a cure throughout the UK and the rest of the world.”

The new facility has been made possible thanks to donations from patient, Ray Wilson, from South Shields, who has lived with had Type One diabetes for more than 50 years.

Mr Wilson helped set up the Newcastle University Cure Diabetes charity two years ago to support groundbreaking research into the condition.

He said: “I feel very proud that this new facility has opened in Newcastle to help advance research and treatment for patients with Type One diabetes – it is a major step forward.

“The Newcastle Isolation and Innovation Hub will carry out important research that will hopefully one day establish a cure for the condition.”

A core team of three researchers will work at the Hub and collaborate with bioengineers internationally to design new state-of-the art equipment for islet cell transplantation.

Research technician Helen Gavillet, said: “We will now have access to the highest quality human cells and will be able to put these to excellent use to help push research into Type One diabetes forwards.”