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‑cell 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’s insulin‑producing cells, and by diagnosis most of these cells are already gone. People must take insulin to survive, but this doesn’t stop the ongoing autoimmune attack or restore the body’s ability to make insulin naturally. Existing alternatives—like immunotherapy or islet transplantation—are expensive, hard to access, and often require lifelong immune‑suppressing 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‑prone mice. They will test whether combining stP2 with baricitinib—a drug that slows the autoimmune attack—can both protect the remaining insulin‑producing cells and regenerate new ones. This “dual‑action” 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.”~ Dr Kevin Chemello Impact If successful, this research will provide strong evidence for a treatment that can change the course of type 1 diabetes—preserving precious insulin‑producing cells, restoring natural insulin secretion, and reducing long‑term reliance on insulin therapy. It moves us closer to a future where T1D is managed by repairing the body, not just replacing what’s 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 diabetes happens 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’t enough donors — and current stem cell therapies still require strong immune-suppressing drugs. Bold idea Dr Jacqueline Schiesser from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is developing a safer, personalised treatment by creating insulin-producing cells from a person’s own 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 Australia—bringing us closer to a treatment that restores natural insulin production without 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 diabetes.” ~ Dr Jacqueline Schiesser Learn more about Diabetes Australia 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
