JDRF-supported progress in fiscal year 2014
JDRF sets ambitious goals for progress in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research each year because our supporters inspire us to aim higher. We invite you to read about the real impact our strategic plan is making and hope you are as inspired as we are as each of these milestones brings us closer to our shared vision of a world without T1D.
Artificial Pancreas
Accelerating development progress of artificial pancreas systems
Tighter blood glucose control, especially overnight, will be essential to successful artificial pancreas (AP) systems. The FDA recently approved an AP system that operates low-glucose-suspend technology, which will partially automate glucose control. In JDRF-funded research, recent overnight trials of AP systems kept participants in target range. Read more…
Inhaled insulin shows value in artificial pancreas study
Mealtime insulin dosing presents a challenge to developing a fully automated artificial pancreas system. A recent successful clinical trial used a partially automated artificial pancreas system in conjunction with rapid-acting inhaled insulin at mealtime, suggesting the two might work together to closely mimic the function of a healthy pancreas. Read more…
Complications
Hope for T1D kidney health in gout drug
Current studies show potential in a drug called allopurinol to slow or stop diabetic kidney disease, one of the most common and devastating complications of T1D. The trial is being funded by the NIH through the Special Diabetes Program, which is a top advocacy priority for JDRF. Read more…
Encapsulation
Progress on ViaCyte’s novel encapsulated cell therapy
Beta cell encapsulation therapy could create insulin independence in people living with T1D for up to two years by creating an alternative source of insulin-producing cells in the body. JDRF partner ViaCyte has applied to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to begin clinical trials of its beta cell encapsulation replacement therapy. Read more…
Smart Insulin
Merck smart insulin project advancing to clinical trials
Smart insulin, a form of insulin that turns on when it’s needed and off when it’s not, has the potential to simplify daily management of T1D. Merck is moving its smart insulin product—which is based on technology that JDRF supported with financial and technical guidance—into human testing. Read more…
Restoration
Potential drugs for beta cell regeneration discovered
Restoring normal insulin production in people with T1D requires that they have some insulin-producing beta cells remaining. JDRF, in collaboration with the Novartis Research Foundation, has identified potential drug agents that stimulate beta cell proliferation and give hope for regeneration therapies that could slow, stop, or reverse T1D. Read more…
Drug for reducing beta cell stress shows promise in halting T1D in animals
JDRF is trying to accomplish something that has never been done before: reverse the T1D autoimmune attack and restore the body’s ability to produce insulin. A drug that has been approved for other uses has shown potential for the relief of beta cell stress—showing beta cell preservation may be possible despite the autoimmune attack that causes T1D. Read more…
Prevention
Redefining an earlier diagnosis of T1D
Preventing T1D from ever developing in anyone is our ultimate goal. JDRF is leading discussions in the scientific community to recognize the fact that T1D onset begins before its symptoms. Developing potential prevention therapies before T1D becomes symptomatic—and requires insulin—could change the course of the disease. Read more…
Progress on causes of T1D provides path to potential prevention strategies
To prevent T1D, we need a better understanding of what causes the disease. JDRF-funded research has shed more light on the connection between T1D, gut bacteria interactions, and certain viruses. Read more…
Portfolio
Broadening T1D R&D funding sources
JDRF research and advocacy efforts are changing the ways T1D research and drug development get done. In 2014, JDRF advocacy efforts helped secured renewal of the Special Diabetes Program, which provides $150 million for T1D research from the National Institutes of Health. JDRF also formed two new partnerships to stimulate innovation in the field of T1D research. Read more…