Diamyd Medical Expands Collaboration to Advance Type 1 Diabetes Research with $1.75 Million Support
Diamyd Medical, a frontrunner in precision medicine therapies for diabetes, has announced a significant boost to its research efforts with a new injection of funding from Breakthrough T1D. The organization, previously known as JDRF, is renowned for its advocacy and research initiatives focused on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The newly awarded sum of USD 1.75 million will support Diamyd Medical in advancing the DIAGNODE-3 Phase 3 clinical trial, an essential step towards potential regulatory approval for its pioneering antigen-specific immunotherapy.
This latest funding marks an extension of an existing collaboration aiming to explore the effectiveness of a precision medicine approach to managing autoimmune diabetes. The initiative aligns with Breakthrough T1D's commitment to facilitating the development of transformative therapies that address the complex needs of the T1D community. According to Ulf Hannelius, CEO of Diamyd Medical, the collaboration not only strengthens their efforts in advancing treatment but also highlights the organization's belief in the potential impact of the developed therapies.
The infusion of support under Breakthrough T1D's Industry Discovery Development Partnerships (IDDP) program underscores an essential partnership in the commercialization of innovative therapies. By fostering advances in treatment, this program is pivotal for both organizations as they work together to bring groundbreaking solutions to the forefront of diabetes care.
The DIAGNODE-3 trial is quite crucial, as it assesses the efficacy of an antigen-specific immunotherapy that aims to preserve endogenous insulin production in patients carrying the HLA DR3-DQ2 gene, which is prevalent among approximately 40% of T1D patients in Europe and the US. The trial is actively recruiting participants diagnosed recently (Stage 3) across over 60 clinics in eight European countries and the US. This patient group is already showing promise based on previous outcomes, including significant results from a large-scale meta-analysis.
Administering Diamyd® directly into a lymph node has shown to optimize treatment response, providing an innovative approach to how T1D is managed. The investigational drug has already received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA and is categorized under Fast Track Designation for various stages of Type 1 Diabetes. These designations imply a streamlined path through the regulatory process, reflecting the urgency and importance of this therapy in clinical settings.
Furthermore, a biomanufacturing facility is currently being developed in Umeå, Sweden. This facility will be crucial for producing the recombinant GAD65 protein, the active ingredient in Diamyd's immunotherapy, illustrating the company’s commitment to ensuring that production capabilities match the anticipated demand as their trials progress.
In conclusion, Diamyd Medical's expanded collaboration with Breakthrough T1D represents a significant advancement in the fight against Type 1 Diabetes. With a dedicated focus on innovative therapies and a promising clinical path ahead, both organizations are poised at the vanguard of potential breakthroughs that can significantly alter the trajectory of T1D health outcomes. This partnership not only intensifies their joint commitment to the T1D community but positions them as leaders in diabetes research and therapy development.