The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson officially launched the Diabetes Vaccine Development Centre at The University of Melbourne, which is the result of an international collaboration between the NMHRC and JDRF.

NHMRC CEO, Professor Alan Pettigrew, said the $10 million initiative provides hope to millions of children worldwide who are at risk of developing this debilitating, incurable condition.

"This is an exciting opportunity to harness the expertise of Australian and international diabetes researchers who can take a lead in a disease affecting the lives of at-risk children all around the world. It will link research to outcomes by developing possible new therapies," he said.

"The Centre joins an innovative health biotechnology industry in this country and will help ensure that Australia maintains its place at the cutting edge of international health and medical research."

The two partners have committed $3.3 million per year for three years and are ready to fund clinical studies. Selection of the appropriate research teams is the responsibility of the DVDC's Board of Directors who are currently meeting to make these decisions.

Robert Goldstein, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of JDRF and a DVDC Board member said, "This Centre provides a unique venue that will foster the translation of basic, scientific discoveries to preventive therapies by supporting and closely monitoring initial, small scale clinical trials. As an independent entity with a central governing body, the Centre will be able to accelerate the development of a vaccine to prevent or slow the progression of juvenile diabetes."

For further information:

Karolyn Andrews, Media & PR Manager, JDRF
Ph. 02 9966 0400 (x203) or 0403 787 077 | email: kandrews@jdrf.org.au

OR

Anna Manzoney (NHMRC) 02 6289 9137 or 0422 008 512