JDRF was among the invited guests at the 2018 Annual Investigator Meeting of the Human Islet Research Network (HIRN). The HIRN meeting, which took place May 8-11 in Washington, DC, brought together more than 250 researchers to discuss their latest results and to further collaborations within the consortium with the ultimate goal to better understand how human beta cells are lost in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Established in 2014 and supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Special Diabetes Program, HIRN pursues innovative strategies to protect or replace functional beta cell mass in people with T1D.

This year, leading researchers presented findings from “blue skies” studies that could fuel future diabetes innovations. Clinical trial data and translational studies, which bring bench-to-bedside investigations into treatments for T1D, were also presented. Dr. Andrew Rakeman, JDRF assistant vice president of research, and Dr. Francis Martin, JDRF associate director of research and lead of the beta cell regeneration program, represented JDRF at the meeting.

“The HIRN has made great progress in applying novel technologies to generate new discoveries in human islet biology,” says Dr. Martin. “I was particularly excited to see the work towards targeting therapies directly to the beta cell and the islet, as well as the new approaches for beta cell biomarkers. We look forward to seeing many of these findings utilized to help those at risk or living with T1D.”

Go here for more information about JDRF’s research programs.