Breakthrough T1D and Integrated Nanotherapeutics Partner to Develop Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Integrated Nanotherapeutics (INT), a biotechnology company based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has received a significant award from Breakthrough T1D, previously known as JDRF. This award aims to support the development of INT’s groundbreaking technology designed to induce immune tolerance in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The primary objective of INT's innovative therapeutic approach is to train the immune system to stop attacking its own cells. This effort has received backing from Breakthrough T1D through its Industry Discovery and Development Partnership (IDDP) program. The research focuses on utilizing INT’s proprietary platform, which incorporates multi-cargo lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). These nanoparticles deliver multiple antigens through mRNA and immune-modifying small molecules to retrain the immune system.

In T1D, immune cells mistakenly identify self-antigens produced by insulin-generating beta cells in the pancreas as harmful, leading to an attack on these beta cells. This results in their destruction and subsequent insulin insufficiency. INT’s strategy involves co-delivering beta cell self-antigens along with immune-modifying molecules that encourage immune protection instead of an attack. This process, known as "tolerization," aims to preserve the remaining beta cells and halt disease progression.

One of the key differentiators of INT’s therapy is its aim to minimize patient burden by reducing the frequency of treatment administrations and eliminating the need for chronic immune suppression. This approach intends to offer a more convenient and less invasive treatment option for patients with T1D.

Breakthrough T1D's collaboration with INT further reinforces the company's commitment to addressing T1D as a primary target for its advanced technology. The partnership aligns with Breakthrough T1D's mission to improve the lives of individuals living with type 1 diabetes and find a cure through investment in promising research and advocacy efforts.

Dr. Chris Tam, co-founder and CEO of INT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the value of Breakthrough T1D's expertise and network within the diabetes research community. He stated that the funding and support from Breakthrough T1D would expedite the pre-clinical development of INT’s tolerizing therapeutic, potentially transforming the lives of millions affected by T1D.

Dr. Joshua Vieth, Director of Research at Breakthrough T1D, also conveyed excitement about the partnership. He emphasized the importance of approaches that enhance the immune system's natural regulatory mechanisms by promoting tolerance. These strategies are crucial to developing therapies that offer sustained immune rebalancing and next-generation treatments for T1D.

Integrated Nanotherapeutics is dedicated to advancing treatments for autoimmune diseases. The company’s proprietary platform leverages multi-cargo lipid nanoparticles to co-deliver mRNA-expressing antigens and small molecule immunomodulators, aiming to train the immune system to avoid attacking its own cells. INT’s initial focus is on type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that impairs the pancreas's ability to produce insulin, necessitating insulin therapy and posing risks of various complications. These can include fluctuations in blood sugar levels, damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart, and potentially fatal outcomes. The condition affects nearly 9 million people globally and can be diagnosed at any age, despite a common misconception that it only occurs in childhood. While the exact causes of T1D remain unclear, both genetic predispositions and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Currently, there is no cure for T1D.

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