Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, applauds Congress for extending the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) through December 31, 2026 and increasing funding from $160 million annually to $200 million. In addition to the SDP funding, the organization is grateful Congress increased funding for diabetes research at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases by $10 million and boosted overall funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $415 million.
Since its creation in 1997, the SDP has contributed more than $3.5 billion to T1D research through the National Institutes of Health. This sustained Federal investment has led to critical advances, including automated insulin delivery systems, the first FDA-approved therapy shown to delay the onset of T1D, beta cell replacement therapies, and treatments for complications of T1D such as diabetic retinopathy. These breakthroughs have significantly improved the lives of people impacted by T1D. A recent study conducted by Avalere Health shows that of the nearly 3.6 billion invested into the SDP by Congress since the establishment of the program, the Federal Government has realized $50 billion in healthcare savings through improved health outcomes from the use of SDP driven therapies and devices. Breakthrough T1D (then JDRF) played an important role in the establishment of the program in 1997 and in its many renewals over the past three decades.
“Passage of this Special Diabetes Program (SDP) extension and increase in funding is a major win for the T1D community,” said Lynn Starr, Chief Global Advocacy Officer at Breakthrough T1D. “The SDP has powered transformative research for more than 25 years. Increasing and extending this funding ensures that lifesaving work can continue without disruption and that we keep advancing T1D cures and therapies. We are tremendously grateful for the leadership and unwavering support of Senate Diabetes Caucus Co-chairs Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congressional Diabetes Caucus Co-chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).”
