Rodolfo Alejandro, MD

EDUCATION

Fellowship: University of Miami – Miller School of Medicine.

Residency: University of Puerto Rico University Hospital.

MD: University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine.

Undergraduate: University of Puerto Rico.

BIOGRAPHY:

One of the top scientists involved in islet transplantation, Dr. Alejandro combines years of extensive research and clinical experience. He has contributed significantly to standardizing islet evaluation, and his observations on islet transplantation in large animal models have helped spark the renewed interest in clinical islet transplantation trials. His research is focused on new modalities of immunosuppression that prevent islet allograft rejection and at the same time allow for long term islet allograft survival with fewer side effects.

In addition he is exploring the use of selected agents with a unique spectrum of anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic (Lisofylline , exenatide) and beta cell enhancing properties (exenatide or similar compounds) to improve beta cell function and viability as well as islet engraftment and long-term function, therefore maximizing functional islet mass before and after transplantation in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Islet transplantation trials testing these new modalities, as part of the Clinical Islet Transplantation Consortium, are in progress. His group is also investigating the reasons for islet Graft dysfunction/failure over time and defining immunological markers of graft dysfunction. Alternative sites for transplantation are also been explored. An author and co-author of many works in the field of diabetes, Dr. Alejandro sits on numerous editorial boards, and is the recipient of the Alpha Omega Alpha and the Pfizer Scholars Award in diabetes.