Type 1 diabetes researchers from across Canada sign letter of support for diabetes research to be included in next federal budget
Subject : Sant
TORONTO, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading researchers in the field of type 1 diabetes (T1D) have signed an open letter in support of renewing funding for the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to End Diabetes as part of of the 2024 federal budget.
The letter highlights the importance of funding research in the field of Langerhans batch replacement therapy, of which Canada is a world leader. There is currently no cure for T1D, but this approach is considered very promising and requires additional investment to move from clinical trials to the people who need it most.
THE full text of the letter is available below and the following address: https://frdj.ca/news/lettre-ouverte-aux-ministers-freeland-et-holland/
Supporting JDRF’s 2024 budget request for type 1 diabetes research
As Canadian researchers working in the field of Langerhans replacement therapy for diabetes, we are writing this letter to support the renewal of funding for the JDRF-CIHR Partnership to End Diabetes as part of the 2024 federal budget.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition leading to absolute insulin deficiency, for which there is no cure. A very promising approach to curing the condition involves replacing insulin-producing Langerhans batch cells that are damaged or destroyed by transplanting a Langerhans batch replacement product. Canada has been a global leader in Langerhans replacement therapy for T1D for over 20 years and remains at the forefront today, both in terms of clinical practice and research productivity. Many global breakthroughs and a lot of momentum? largely conducted by Canadian researchers and clinical trials taking place in Canada? were made possible through research grant funding from JDRF and CIHR. Past and current projects supported by these funders include research that aims to:
- optimize Langerhans batch replacement products to treat T1D from a renewable source of stem cells;
- test the safety and effectiveness of Langerhans lot products manufactured in animal models of T1D for clinical trials;
- manufacture a high-quality Langerhans batch replacement product on a large scale to treat an unlimited number of patients with T1D;
- advance innovative approaches to reduce or eliminate the immunosuppression required for Langerhans batch replacement therapy transplantation; And
- Leverage gene editing technology to produce next-generation Langerhans batch replacement products.
It is imperative to continue investment in Canadian research into Langerhans replacement therapy to capitalize on investments made to date for the benefit of the 300,000 Canadians with T1D, whose lives could be transformed by accessibility a cell-based healing therapy for their condition. With sufficient funding, Canada will lead the global effort needed to translate current research momentum into new treatments and cure therapies for T1D.
A $50 million investment from the federal government (with a $25 million match from JDRF Canada) will accelerate science at monumental speed. Without additional funding, the immense progress made in Canada in the field of cellular therapies for the treatment of T1D will be significantly reduced. Has the momentum we gained through the strong JDRF-CIHR Partnership to End Diabetes brought us to the brink of breakthroughs? It is time to advance this exceptional science and solidify Canada's position as a leader in the race to cure T1D.
Sincerely,
| DrJames Johnson, professor University of British Columbia. | DrTimothy Kieffer, professor University of British Columbia. | ||
| DrGregory Korbutt, professor University of Alberta | DDMegan Levings, professor University of British Columbia. | ||
| DrDan Luciani, associate professor University of British Columbia. | DrFrancis Lynn, agrg professor University of British Columbia. | ||
| DrHongshen Ma, agrg professor University of British Columbia. | DrAndras Nagy, principal investigator Mount Sinai Hospital | ||
| DDCristina Nostro, Senior Scientist University health network | DDAmanda Oakie, postdoctoral fellow University health network | ||
| DrAndrew Pepper, assistant professor University of Alberta | DrRmi Rabasa-Lhoret, professor and endocrinologist, University of Montreal, IRCM | ||
| DrMichael Sefton, professor University of Toronto | DrPeter Senior, professor and endocrinologist, University of Alberta Director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute | ||
| DrJames Shapiro, professor and transplant surgeon University of Alberta | DrBruce Verchere, professor University of British Columbia. | ||
About JDRF Canada?
JDRF Canada is the largest charitable organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research in Canada. Our mission is to accelerate revolutionary breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Since its creation in 1974, JDRF has invested more than 80 million Canadian dollars in research funding. Our organization was created thanks to the initiative of people involved in their community who collaborate regionally to ensure greater efficiency and optimal impact of fundraising, and who unite their efforts nationally to mobilize power resources, passion and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, government, business and industry partners to develop and maintain a pipeline of innovative therapies for people with T1D. Our staff and volunteers across Canada and five international affiliates are dedicated to championing the cause, inspiring community engagement and sharing our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, visitjfrd.ca.???
For more information 😕
Ruth Kapelus?
National Content and Media Relations Manager
Tel.?: 647.789.2322?
E-mail?:?(email protected)?
235 boul. Yorkland, Suite 1201, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Y8
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