In an attempt to cure people now living with diabetes, DRI researchers are conducting clinical trials involving the transplatation of human insulin producing islet cells. The goal is to transplant these islets without the need for long-term immunosuppression (anti-rejection drugs). These powerful drugs often cause harmful, long-term side effects and may also adversely effect the islets. In addition to the clinical trials, we are continuing to improve the process of islet isolation, invented by DRI's Dr. Camillo Ricordi and used by researchers worldwide. Also, several approaches to improve islet cryopreservation, which is a technique to freeze and store islets for future transplantation, are underway.