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Accelerating the Pace and Promise of Diabetes Research

Jun 1, 2005

The content for this column is provided by the Iacocca Foundation

In 2001, researchers led by Denise Faustman, MD, at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) reversed and cured type 1 diabetes in mice. In research supported by the Iacocca Foundation, Faustman’s lab identified the immune system defects involved in the destruction of insulin-producing cells and developed a therapy to stop the autoimmune system from attacking these cells.

Steps are currently being taken to move this research into human clinical trials. The FDA has already approved the first human clinical trial, which will test one part of the brief, nontoxic intervention used to eliminate diabetes in the Faustman lab. It is expected to start in 2006. David Nathan, MD, a diabetes specialist, will lead the trial.

Nathan, a pioneer in the development of intensive therapies for diabetes, directs the General Clinical Research Center and the Diabetes Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is an internationally recognized expert on diabetes and its complications, focusing on the development of innovative therapies to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the prevention of long-term complications. Nathan was one of the leaders of the landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).

A key to advancing this research has been the continuous efforts of volunteers involved in Join Lee Now, the Iacocca Foundation’s diabetes research fundraising initiative. Since its launch in August 2004, the ongoing Join Lee Now campaign has reached commitments of over $3 million. A total of $11 million will be needed for the first three years.

Thanks to all for your continuing support of Join Lee Now. Please look for future updates from the Iacocca Foundation about this campaign and other efforts to accelerate the pace and promise of diabetes research.

How Can I Help?

The first three years of this program—including refinement of the experimental therapy, technology development and the first phase 1 clinical trial—will cost an estimated $11 million.

Contribute to Join Lee Now and support these efforts to cure type 1 diabetes in humans. Donations may be made over the Internet or by mail.

Internet
To make a donation over the Internet, please visit www.JoinLeeNow.org and click on “Donate Now.”

U.S. Mail
To mail your donation, please make checks payable to “Iacocca Foundation.” Please write “Join Lee Now” in the subject line. All donations can be sent to the following address:

The Iacocca Foundation
17 Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116

Categories: Celebrities, Diabetes, Diabetes, Insulin, Type 1 Issues, Type 2 Issues

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