A company using Auckland Island pigs housed in Southland to try to find a treatment for type-1 diabetes sufferers says its latest trials have produced positive results.

Living Cell Technologies yesterday announced the results of the second phase of its New Zealand trials for Diabecell, a treatment for people with uncontrolled diabetes.

The trial of 14 patients at Middlemore Hospital found Diabecell was a safe and effective treatment that resulted in a "statistically significant" reduction in unaware blood sugar events, an improvement in blood sugar control and an improvement in patient reported quality of life, the company announced.

A trial in Argentina - primarily to find the best dose - was continuing but an informal analysis showed the results to be better than the New Zealand trials.

The company will complete its Argentinian trials before identifying what type of patient the product will work for.

The company will also identify what the product will do.

In phase 3 of the trial some patients will be studied to determine whether the product does what the company says it will.

The treatment involves transplanting pig pancreatic islet cells into a patient to boost insulin production and regulate blood glucose levels.

- © Fairfax NZ News