Research priority: Cure diabetes Together, we can progress towards a cure for diabetes Progressing towards a cure for type 1 diabetes is a multi-targeted activity. We support research that works to: Understand the biological mechanisms and immune processes that trigger type 1 diabetes so that we can intervene earlier and more effectively. Develop innovative approaches for earlier detection of type 1 diabetes, including improved screening tools and predictive markers. Advance therapies that can prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, preserve beta鈥慶ell function, and ultimately move us closer to a cure. Featured research projects A new treatment approach to target type 1 diabetes Stem cell derived beta cells for treating type 1 diabetes Find out more about our research Featured research projects Each research project and discovery is a further step along the road towards achieving a cure for diabetes. Current diabetes cure research focuses on various immunotherapy and regenerative therapies, including stem cell therapies, greater understanding of genetic predispositions, and early intervention strategies. A new treatment approach to target type 1 diabetes Dr Kevin Chemello Challenge In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the body鈥檚 insulin鈥憄roducing cells, and by diagnosis most of these cells are already gone. People must take insulin to survive, but this doesn鈥檛 stop the ongoing autoimmune attack or restore the body鈥檚 ability to make insulin naturally. Existing alternatives鈥攍ike immunotherapy or islet transplantation鈥攁re expensive, hard to access, and often require lifelong immune鈥憇uppressing drugs. Bold idea Kevin Chemello and the team from the University of New South Wales have developed a new peptide, stP2, that lowers blood glucose and boosts insulin levels in diabetes鈥憄rone mice. They will test whether combining stP2 with baricitinib鈥攁 drug that slows the autoimmune attack鈥攃an both protect the remaining insulin鈥憄roducing cells and regenerate new ones. This 鈥渄ual鈥慳ction鈥� therapy aims to tackle the root causes of T1D from both angles. Our goal is to identify strategies that protect or restore beta-cell function while regulating the immune response, ultimately giving people with type 1 diabetes the chance for better long-term health and improved quality of life.鈥�~ Dr Kevin Chemello Impact If successful, this research will provide strong evidence for a treatment that can change the course of type 1 diabetes鈥攑reserving precious insulin鈥憄roducing cells, restoring natural insulin secretion, and reducing long鈥憈erm reliance on insulin therapy. It moves us closer to a future where T1D is managed by repairing the body, not just replacing what鈥檚 lost. Stem cell derived beta cells for treating type 1 diabetes Dr Jacqueline Schiesser Share your story through our Spark Change platform and have your say on what affordable access to AID would mean to you and your quality of life. Challenge Type 1鈥痙iabetes鈥痟appens when the body destroys its own insulin-producing cells, meaning people must take insulin every day to stay alive. Islet transplants from organ donors can help, but there simply aren鈥檛 enough donors 鈥� and current stem cell therapies still require strong immune-suppressing drugs. Bold idea Dr Jacqueline Schiesser from the Murdoch Children鈥檚 Research Institute is developing a safer, personalised treatment by creating insulin-producing cells from a person鈥檚鈥�own鈥� stem cells. Her team will also refine a new method to select only the most useful cell types, removing unwanted or unsafe cells. Impact This research could lead to future trials of personalised islet cell therapy in鈥疉ustralia鈥攂ringing us closer to a treatment that restores natural insulin production鈥�without鈥� the risks of long-term immunosuppression. This grant will enable my team to translate fundamental stem cell research into a realistic, patient-specific therapy, bringing us closer to a lasting treatment for people living with type 1鈥痙iabetes.鈥� ~ Dr Jacqueline Schiesser Learn more about 芒果直播 research Our research impact Discover how your investment in Australian research is changing the landscape of diabetes management, treatment, and prevention globally. Learn more Research grants and funding opportunities We provide funding opportunities to advance scientific knowledge and its translation into evidence-based solutions. Learn more Our strategy and priorities Successful research outcomes rely on a unified approach from everyone who wants to see a world free of diabetes. Learn more
Our research impact Discover how your investment in Australian research is changing the landscape of diabetes management, treatment, and prevention globally. Learn more
Research grants and funding opportunities We provide funding opportunities to advance scientific knowledge and its translation into evidence-based solutions. Learn more
Our strategy and priorities Successful research outcomes rely on a unified approach from everyone who wants to see a world free of diabetes. Learn more
