In a first-of-its-kind trial, researchers at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) are developing a new cell therapy that could prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.

Jacqui Scaffidi (PhD candidate), with the support of Kidney and Islet Transplantation Director Professor Toby Coates and a team of researchers, has received a 2024 Diabetes Australia Research Program (DARP) grant to progress the study.

Five RAH patients have taken part in the new study, in which blood was taken to generate new CAR-T Reg cells. These new cells have the potential to suppress the autoimmune response which attacks the pancreas, causing type 1 diabetes.

“By regulating these new cells, we can potentially prolong the time it takes to develop type 1 diabetes, which can help prevent patients from needing insulin therapy,” Ms Scaffidi said.

“An effective therapy to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes is critical.

“Unfortunately, previous research has not achieved reversal of the condition so it’s now important to explore a new CAR-Treg therapy that is more specifically targeted towards the pancreas,” she said.

Professor Coates said the DARP funding will be beneficial in starting the next testing phase.

“A big thank you to DARP for acknowledging our research on this CAR-Treg cell study to date and awarding our team with this two-year grant,” he said.

“We know type 1 diabetes has a profound human, emotional, and financial burden for those who live with it. At the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, we strive to identify new approaches through new research to support patients and improve their daily lives.”

There are nearly 140,000 Australians living with type 1 diabetes, many of whom are diagnosed as children. Complications of the condition can include heart and kidney disease, stroke, amputations, vision loss and depression.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the successful DARP recipients were undertaking work that would change the lives of people with diabetes.

“Research is critical in our fight to drive change to prevent, treat and, ultimately, cure diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

“Diabetes research creates hope for the future.”

Diabetes Australia has been funding diabetes research for more than 30 years through the Diabetes Australia Research Program.

“Over the past 10 years alone, Diabetes Australia has invested more than $30 million in supporting nearly 450 critical research initiatives across all types of diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

Diabetes Australia has launched a new campaign calling for more research funding called ‘Diabetes Research Changes Lives’. Members of the community can also support diabetes research by making a donation. Find out more about how to support us.

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, researchers, and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au