Federal Government Commits $30 Million to JDRF for Research into a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes
April 8, 2005

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, has today announced the commitment of $30 million to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to fund research into a cure for Type 1 diabetes. The funds will be used by JDRF to establish an islet transplant program in Australia.

Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes affects over 140,000 Australians and is estimated to cost the health system over $2 billion p.a. The incidence of Type 1 diabetes has increased by 37 percent over the last ten years and, in the under-five age group, has doubled over the last five years.

JDRF will contribute a further $1.5 million in funding to establishing the islet transplantation program in Australia. Islet cell transplantation involves harvesting insulin producing beta-cells from a donor pancreas and infusing them into the portal vein of the recipient's liver removing the need for insulin injections. The aim of the program is to take islet cell transplantation from an experimental procedure to a real clinical option in Australia.

The CEO of JDRF, Mike Wilson, congratulated the Australian Government for supporting this valuable research initiative.

"Islet transplantation is an extremely promising step towards finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes," he said.

"Clinical trials of the transplantation procedure in Australia and overseas have enabled people with Type 1 diabetes to be freed from having to constantly monitor their blood sugar level and regularly inject themselves with insulin, greatly increasing their quality of life.

"This islet transplant program will position Australia as a key player in a global consortium of islet transplant centres, leading research and clinical developments in this important field," Mr Wilson said.

JDRF has been chosen to manage the islet transplantation program. Researchers and clinicians funded through the program will be based at a variety of institutions around Australia. Scientists and clinicians interested in addressing specific issues concerning islet cell transplantation will be invited to apply for research funding. JDRF's mission is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of medical research.

The announcement will take place at 1.00pm in the garden of the Westmead Millennium Institute Bld, Westmead Hospital - cnr Darcy and Hawkesbury Rds, Westmead.

JDRF CEO Mike Wilson and JDRF Youth Ambassador and type 1 diabetic Cassie Garvan will be available for interview.

For further information or to arrange an interview: Jim Wackett 0411 755 650