JDRF UPDATE: JDRF Support Critical in Development of Novel T1D Technology This week, Merck held an investor briefing and provided updates on various strategic initiatives, including its smart insulin project acquired in 2010 when it purchased SmartCells. SmartCells—a diabetes drug-development company that received early support from JDRF— was founded in 2003 by Todd Zion, Ph.D., an MIT chemical engineer who had an idea for developing a smart insulin. While others were skeptical, JDRF saw promise in the fledgling companys concept for improving the lives of people with T1D. With help from JDRF, SmartCells secured initial funding from the National Institutes of Healths Special Diabetes Program—a funding source available due to our advocacy efforts. Then, thanks to the support of our generous donors, JDRF provided SmartCells with a financial lifeline of support and key technical guidance that enabled its researchers to validate this exciting technology. Now, based on further animal studies conducted by Merck, a key milestone has been reached: New data support advancing the smart insulin project into clinical trials. This is the most groundbreaking smart insulin project in development, and JDRF donors made it possible. Smart insulin is a form of insulin that turns on when it’s needed to lower blood sugar and off when blood sugar is at a safe level. Merck refers to its project as glucose-responsive insulin. Smart insulin is a key research priority for JDRF. Much remains to be learned about how long and how well each dose of Merck’s smart insulin will work, and it’s still years away from becoming a treatment, but this is exciting progress on one of JDRF’s key research investments. JDRF donors made it possible to take this next step towards turning Type One into Type None.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 11:46:33 +0000
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