Scientists open lab space to develop new technology to address metabolic diseases

Researchers will develop new technology for people with Type 1 diabetes <em>- News</em>

Thursday 25 March 2010
By Colin Smith

Scientists developing an artificial pancreas for people with type 1 diabetes have received a boost to their research with a new laboratory at Imperial College London, opened today.

The Metabolic Technology Lab was officially opened by Justin Webb, from the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. The lab is part of the Winston Wong Centre for Bioinspired Technology in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.

Scientists working in the lab are developing technology to help people with a range of metabolic diseases. These are diseases affecting the chemical processes of the body that are critical for providing energy for different cell types so that they can function.

The opening of the lab also represents a significant step forward in the development an artificial pancreas, providing researchers with a dedicated space in which to carry out their work. The team are developing a microchip device that takes glucose readings from a monitor and continuously infuses insulin into the body so that people with Type 1 diabetes can do away with regular insulin injections.

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In the video (right), Dr Pantelis Georgiou and Dr Nick Oliver, who are both from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, talk about the artificial pancreas and how it will revolutionise patient care in the UK.

Other technologies that will be developed in the lab include new sensors for measuring body chemistry, intelligent microchips to control metabolism and novel approaches for the management and monitoring of chronic disease.