Beta Cell Regeneration
We have an ambitious goal—to restore the body’s ability to create insulin-producing beta cells in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The JDRF Beta Cell Regeneration Program aims to both find and develop treatments that maintain the health and function of beta cells, and to discover and provide therapies to generate new beta cells.
Our Approach
In T1D, beta cells are stressed, hastening the autoimmune process that leads to their death. Beta cells, however, can persist long after T1D diagnosis, and in certain situations the body can even regrow new beta cells. This gives JDRF-funded researchers tools to develop therapies that relieve beta cell stress and promote their survival and regrowth.
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Make beta cells multiply
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Promote the survival of beta cells
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Improve the function of remaining beta cells
Many Paths, One Purpose
Our research into beta cell regeneration technologies is just one potential pathway to finding a cure for T1D. Explore JDRF’s ambitious research portfolio.
All ResearchGet involved and help lead us toward a cure
Beta Cell Regeneration Progress
2016
Cell conversion advances
JDRF-funded researchers stimulate pancreatic alpha cells to change into functional beta-like cells, with an eye toward potentially regenerating insulin-producing beta cell mass.
2017
Better beta cell function
JDRF-funded investigators recruit 67 adults with new-onset T1D to treat them with the cancer drug Gleevec® (imatinib). Those treated with Gleevec® have better beta cell function and use lower insulin doses than the placebo group.
2018
A drug for blood pressure, and also for beta cells?
A JDRF-funded researcher identifies a blood pressure drug that looks very promising for T1D in clinical trials, showing that it helps to slow the progression of T1D.
2019
JDRF Brings Together Leading Experts at Islet Targeting Strategy Workshop
Experts discussed how to develop a safe method to deliver therapies directly to the islets to maintain and recover beta cell mass.
Looking Ahead
To date, more than $190 million has been invested by JDRF in beta cell regeneration research. One day, T1D will become a reversible illness, without the threat of long- and short-term complications.