JDRF Center for Islet Transplantation Launched at University of Miami School of Medicine

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Wednesday, 19 November 2003

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International has awarded a $6.75 million Center Grant to the University of Miami School of Medicine. The grant, which brings an additional $6.75 million in matching funds from the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, will be used to establish a JDRF Center at the School of Medicine's Diabetes Research Institute, already a world leader in diabetes research.

JDRF Research Centers are flagship programs at very select institutions that provide scientists and clinicians opportunities to work together to drive new and emerging ideas into clinical benefit. The grant funding will significantly accelerate research in the field of islet cell transplantation and move it more quickly toward widespread patient application.

"To be recognized as an institution that is leading the way in islet cell transplantation is a testament to our outstanding scientists and clinicians," said John G. Clarkson, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. "This new collaboration with the JDRF will help move our research forward at a faster pace and provide greater benefit to patients."

Islet cell transplantation is considered one of the most promising methods for curing diabetes. During the procedure islet cells are separated from a donor pancreas, and infused into a diabetic patient's liver, where they begin to produce insulin. A significant number of patients who have received islet transplants at the DRI are now living insulin-free for the first time since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes decades earlier.

"This center reflects JDRF's ongoing commitment to moving promising scientific advances from basic research to clinical trials to possible therapeutic cures for type 1 diabetes," said Richard Insel, M.D., executive vice president, research, JDRF. "We remain goal-oriented, seeking new opportunities, such as this Center, to foster and facilitate diabetes research globally. We are very excited to be involved in this collaborative effort with the University of Miami School of Medicine in perfecting islet transplantation as a viable therapy."

The new center will follow a research accelerator concept, and seek to fast-track studies aimed at developing new therapeutic strategies that will eventually lead to a cure.

For more information, or to contact Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, see their website at: www.jdrf.org