Leading researchers from around the world will gather for the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). At this year’s meeting, which will take place from October 2-6 in Hamburg, Germany, 65 studies will be presented by JDRF researchers, funded now or in the past, working to find cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and improve the lives of those living with the disease today.

EASD Highlights

• The first findings from the JDRF-funded clinical trial to test two anti-viral drugs against enteroviruses—a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms and may be linked to the development of T1D—in children with new-onset disease, presented by Knut Dahl-Jorgensen, M.D., Ph.D.
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals will present an update on the cell replacement therapy VX-880. We learned at the American Diabetes Association conference in June that six people had been treated, with two achieving insulin independence. We’re excited to hear more information on this groundbreaking trial!
• Chairing a session is our own CEO Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., on a very important topic—heart disease in T1D youth and how to best detect it before children reach adulthood.
• And, finally, congratulations to JDRF-funded investigators:

• • Åke Lernmark, M.D., Ph.D., who will receive the 55th Claude Bernhard Medal, the highest award in recognition of contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the field of diabetes, for his role in dissecting the genetic and environmental causes of T1D;
  • Yuval Dor, Ph.D., who will receive the 17th Albert Renold Prize, given for a member’s outstanding achievement in research on the islets and their relationship to diabetes; and
  • Roman Hovorka, Ph.D., who will receive the EASD-Novo Nordisk Foundation Diabetes Prize for Excellence, which awards an internationally recognized researcher who has contributed significantly to advances in the understanding, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications.

The Albert Renold Prize has been given out annually since 2007. A total of 15 recipients have received JDRF funding prior to winning the prize, including six investigators who received JDRF early-career scientist grants. (Dr. Dor was a JDRF postdoctoral fellow from 2003-2005 and a JDRF Career Development Award from 2005-2010 and has received many more awards since.)

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