Built on 42 Years of
Breakthrough Research

Led by the inventor of the Edmonton Protocol, backed by world-class institutions, and positioned at the epicenter of global diabetes research.

Dr. James Shapiro

Founder, Director of Transplant Surgery, University of Alberta

Dr. Shapiro is the inventor of the Edmonton Protocol—the 2000 breakthrough that became the global standard of care for islet transplantation, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and adopted in 30+ countries.

With 42 years in diabetes research and 765 islet transplants completed, Dr. Shapiro brings unparalleled clinical credibility and execution expertise—not just lab theory.

Key achievements:

  • Inventor of the Edmonton Protocol (2000, NEJM)
  • 20-year outcomes published in The Lancet (2023)
  • Director of Transplant Surgery, University of Alberta
  • 765 islet transplants completed to date

Strategic Advantages in Place

DiaCell operates at the epicenter of world-renowned diabetes research at the University of Alberta, providing institutional stability, credibility, and de-risked execution.

Our ecosystem advantages:

  • Based at Canada’s leading diabetes research institute
  • Access to 40+ diabetes researchers and core facilities
  • Institutional backing already secured (University Hospital Foundation)
  • Canadian regulatory pathway advantages
  • Political and economic stability

De-Risked Science

This isn’t a gamble. It’s the next logical step in a 42-year journey of proven breakthroughs.

Built on the foundation of the Edmonton Protocol

01

20-year patient outcome data validating long-term safety and efficacy

02

Rigorous Health Canada regulatory standards—a sign of scientific integrity

03

Collaborative ecosystem with global diabetes research leaders

04

Meet our team on a mission to end diabetes

Rob Otway

Chief Executive Officer

rob.otway@diacell.com

Dr A.M. James Shapiro

Founder/Director

james.shapiro@diacell.com

Melanie Hibbard

Director

melanie.hibbard@diacell.com