The News:
The Diabetes Research Institute unveiled: “A ‘Mini-Organ’ Delivering Real Insulin in Real Time.” According to their website, “With the BioHub, the DRI is taking a quantum leap toward a biological cure.”
What This Means for the T1D Community:
This very well may be true. So true, in fact, that Breakthrough T1D provides the DRI generous funding–making the organization a part of the Encapsulation Consortium and supplying further funds in conjunction with the Helmsley Trust.
But here’s my problem.
In the days before this announcement was made, the blogosphere was humming. “It is not pie-in-sky,” a blog promised, leading fatigued people feel that this would be something entirely new and different, something more immediate and satisfying than other research advancements. “[I]t is not broken promises; it is real……very, very real.” The HuffPost headline was: “DRI’s BioHub May Cure Type 1 Diabetes.”
BioHub’s innovations are promising. The outfit specializes in ways to supply transplanted beta cells with increased oxygen to help them thrive, while protecting these cells from the immune attack.
This is, though, one small part of one solution. And their “mini-organ” has yet to enter clinical trials.
The suggestion was made in a blog that this announcement would mean that parents of kids with T1D could STOP BEING parents of a kid with T1D, seemingly the next day, because we were that close to a cure.
BioHub’s announcement, though, speaks to a product that is years–five to seven, according to Riva Greenberg at Huffington Post–away.
I am ready to be patient.
And I convinced that Breakthrough T1D–with its multifaceted approach to preventing, treating and CURING this disease–will soon have successes that will revolutionize the way we think of T1D.
I do think it’s important, however, to keep an advancement like this in perspective. Encapsulation is just one part of the biological cure the DRI is suggesting.
My strong sense is that Breakthrough T1D, which is expertise, its breadth and its history–is the horse to back in the race toward the end of this disease.
Paul Hayes said it best: “Breakthrough T1D is driving research across the entire scientific spectrum, from discovery in the laboratory to delivery of new technology and treatments to patients. It is collaborating with public, academic, and corporate partners to expedite delivery of real-world solutions to people with T1D and their families. Breakthrough T1D’s influence and leadership extends beyond funding research. We strategically partner with industry, governments, foundations, academia, healthcare, and clinicians, because curing T1D is a global, coordinated effort with Breakthrough T1D at the center.”
I am all for HOPE.
I’m less wild about hype.
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