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First Islet Cell Summit Brings Together Researchers and Donors

Published:
15-April-2005

The first American Diabetes Association Islet Cell Summit was held on April 8 in Chicago, IL. At this invitation-only event, recipients of the American Diabetes Association's Islet Cell Replacement Research Awards shared their latest findings on insulin-producing cell replacement in type 1 diabetes with donors who have supported their work, as well as invited guests who had expressed an interest in funding diabetes research through the American Diabetes Association.

The ADA Islet Cell Replacement Research Awards are funded in part by Cynthia and Edsel B. Ford, II of Grosse Pointe, Michigan and Arleen and Don Wagner of Venetia, Pennsylvania.  These families have generously committed gifts of $1.3 million and $1 million, respectively to support the study of islet cell replacement.  Both families became involved with raising funds for the Association after their children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  In addition to their financial support, these families have also contributed countless hours as volunteers for the Association.  Currently, Arleen Wagner serves as President of the ADA's Washington County, PA Council, Don Wagner is Chair of the ADA Research Foundation, Cynthia Ford is a member of the ADA Research Foundation's Board of Directors, and Edsel Ford chairs the Advisory Board of ADA's Advocacy Leadership Council.

"As parents of a child with type 1 diabetes, we have personally invested in these scientists and their promising research, knowing that their work brings us one step closer to life without diabetes for all those afflicted," said Don and Arleen Wagner.  "This summit provides a unique opportunity to talk with and learn from those individuals who are truly making a difference."

The seven researchers who attended the Summit are Charles Burant, MD, PhD, University of Michigan; Juan Domínguez-Bendala, PhD,, on behalf of Luca Inverardi, MD, Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine; Hengjiang Dong, PhD, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; Marc Garfinkel, MD, University of Chicago; Michael German, MD, University of California, San Francisco; Paul Robbins, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, and Ji-Won Yoon, PhD, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Participants heard updates on the scientists' ongoing work which reflects one of three major focus areas:

  • Genetic engineering of non-pancreatic cells into glucose-sensitive, insulin-producing cells;
  • Transforming stem cells or pancreatic ductal cells into insulin-producing cells
  • Micro-encapsulation of islet cells to restore normal glucose levels in people with diabetes, with particular focus on preventing rejection of these islets by the immune system.

The American Diabetes Association's targeted research program allows donors to specify the type of research they wish to fund. The Summit was a great way for contributors to see firsthand how their generosity is advancing diabetes research in the area they specified.  It was also an opportunity for the researchers to share their ideas with one another.

Source:American Diabetes Association Newsletter Volunteers in action April 12, 2005