Hope for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes

I have come across hope for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Below is a rather lengthly video interviewing Dr. Faustman (from The Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital).

Interview: Type 1 Diabetes Cure Trial from David Edelman on Vimeo.

(Video from: http://www.diabetesdaily.com/edelman/2008/09/diabetes-cure.php, last accessed: 13th September 09)

I learned a lot watching this video about diabetes, the history of research and current thinking. It sounds good to me. The problem is that the clinical trials won’t be funded by the big drug companies as the drug proposed to be used for the cure are a generic drug, a one off dose. Rather than for creating a new drug that people will need to manage the condition (continuous treatment).

Big drug companies don’t want to fund for a cure as they’ll make more money out of continuous treatment. How wrong is that? I have emailed The Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital) with this email:

“Hi,

I have recently come across your website and research on a cure for Type 1
diabetes. Thank you for your hard work on a cure for diabetes! As a type 1
diabetic diagnosed in January 07 (at the age of 21 years old!), I am
pleased to see this research being done.

I imagine that your research is US based, but I would be grateful if you
know of any UK based research trials going on if you could email me back
so I can contact them to see about joining trials.

I look forward to your reply.

Many thanks,

Antony Simpson”

I really want to do something to raise funds for this research. Will have to have a think and come up with some rather imaginative ideas of raising money. Now I never ask for any money off anyone, but if you think this is a good cause and want to give a £1, you can do so on their website: The Faustman Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Let you know how I get on with my fund raising ideas,

Antony x