Breakthrough T1D Research at ADA 84th Scientific Sessions

Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, is a leading global organization dedicated to type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy. The organization recently took part in the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 84th Scientific Sessions held from June 21-24, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. This conference is one of the largest events in the diabetes research community, and it featured more than 180 studies backed by Breakthrough T1D.

Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., the CEO of Breakthrough T1D, emphasized the organization's mission to connect and fund top researchers to accelerate the discovery of cures, improve treatments, and enhance access to care for individuals living with T1D globally. He praised the research presented at the conference as indicative of significant advancements in the field.

A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the first-ever international consensus guidance for monitoring early-stage T1D. This guidance, spearheaded by Breakthrough T1D, was developed with input from over 60 international experts from 10 countries and has received endorsements from 11 national and international organizations. The guidance aims to aid healthcare professionals in monitoring children, adolescents, and adults who test positive for T1D autoantibodies. It includes recommendations on monitoring frequencies, actions when the risk of progressing to symptomatic T1D is high, and suggestions for educational and psychosocial support.

Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D., the chief scientific officer of Breakthrough T1D, highlighted the significance of early detection of T1D. He noted that the new monitoring guidelines could lead to a reduction in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis, provide opportunities for clinical trial participation, offer access to therapies that may delay the onset of T1D, and give individuals time to prepare for a potential diagnosis.

Other notable presentations from the ADA Scientific Sessions included an update from Vertex Pharmaceuticals on their phase I/II clinical trial of VX-880, a stem cell-derived islet cell therapy. Results showed that participants who have had the therapy for at least five months exhibited significant improvements in HbA1c levels and reduced or eliminated the need for external insulin. This research was made possible by funding from Breakthrough T1D and the T1D Fund.

Kevan Herold, M.D., provided a secondary analysis of the phase III PROTECT clinical trial. It was revealed that Tzield™ (teplizumab-mzwv) could slow beta cell loss and preserve beta cell function in newly diagnosed children and adolescents with stage 3 T1D. This reinforces Breakthrough T1D's commitment to supporting therapies that preserve beta cells, which is crucial for preventing complications and improving clinical outcomes at the onset of the disease.

Peter Calhoun, Ph.D., presented a study funded by Breakthrough T1D on the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to predict the progression to Stage 3 T1D. By analyzing data from five screening programs, he demonstrated that incorporating CGM metrics with individual characteristics provided the best predictive performance for the impending clinical onset of T1D.

Breakthrough T1D remains dedicated to improving the lives of those with T1D by supporting pioneering research and advocating for better treatments and access to care. This year's ADA Scientific Sessions underscored the progress being made toward achieving these goals.