Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, has awarded more than $2.8 million in funding to establish a joint Cardiorenal Center of Excellence between the University of Michigan (U-M) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The three-year grant will expand the existing U-M Center of Excellence to create a collaborative hub focused specifically on addressing heart and kidney complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D).
The new Breakthrough T1D U-M-OHSU Cardiorenal Center of Excellence will be led by Dr. Matthias Kretzler from the University of Michigan and Dr. Rodica Pop-Busui from Oregon Health & Science University. It builds upon five years of research conducted at the University of Michigan's Center of Excellence, which has made significant advances in understanding cardiorenal complications associated with T1D.
"The Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence at the University of Michigan has advanced our understanding of heart and kidney disease in type 1 diabetes," said Breakthrough T1D Research Director Jonathan Rosen, Ph.D. "The stage is now set for the Breakthrough T1D U-M-OHSU Cardiorenal Center of Excellence to apply these learnings in an innovative clinical trial testing promising heart and kidney therapies in people with T1D. Such trials are urgently needed because there are few therapeutic options available today."
Addressing Critical Research Gaps
The joint center will focus on establishing an innovative and efficient clinical trial platform to test multiple heart and kidney therapies for people living with T1D. This addresses a significant unmet need, as cardiovascular and renal complications remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality among T1D patients despite advances in diabetes management.
The University of Michigan's Center of Excellence has previously conducted research across multiple areas, including beta cell replacement therapies, automated insulin delivery systems, psychosocial health, metabolic control, and long-term complications affecting the eyes, heart, and kidneys. The expanded collaboration with OHSU will leverage this foundation to accelerate the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Pop-Busui emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative: "This Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence represents a bold step forward in our commitment to advancing cutting-edge research for people with type 1 diabetes, and thus expediting true personalized care for patients. With this new partnership, we are creating a collaborative hub where scientific discovery and clinical innovation come together to reverse cardiorenal disease in people with type 1 diabetes."
Advancing Precision Medicine
A key focus of the new center will be advancing precision medicine approaches for T1D treatment. The goal is to develop personalized therapeutic strategies that match the right treatment to the right patient at the right time, moving beyond the current one-size-fits-all approach to diabetes management.
Dr. Kretzler highlighted the significance of this funding: "This award is a testament to the significant contributions we have made in understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to cardiovascular and kidney complications in type 1 diabetes. Our collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University will accelerate the translation of these scientific insights into tangible therapies that can improve the lives of those living with T1D."
The Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU brings valuable resources to this partnership. Established in 2007 and endowed by the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, it is the only diabetes center in the Pacific Northwest providing specialized care for both children and adults with T1D in a single location. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and experience integrating clinical research with patient care will enable rapid implementation of the new center's activities and clinical trials.
Part of a Global Research Network
The U-M-OHSU Cardiorenal Center of Excellence joins four other Breakthrough T1D Centers of Excellence around the world. This network approach aligns with Breakthrough T1D's research strategy of leveraging expertise from world-class institutions to accelerate the development of treatments and therapies for T1D.
The Center of Excellence model is designed to maximize resources, remove barriers, link research efforts worldwide, develop the next generation of scientific leadership, and foster collaboration to drive progress as quickly as possible.
Type 1 diabetes affects nearly 9 million people globally and is characterized by an autoimmune response that causes the pancreas to produce little or no insulin. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and risk of numerous complications, including damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart. While often associated with childhood diagnosis, approximately 50% of T1D cases are diagnosed in adulthood.
As the leading global T1D research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D continues to invest in promising research while advocating for progress and supporting the T1D community through education and empowerment initiatives. The establishment of the U-M-OHSU Cardiorenal Center of Excellence represents a significant step forward in addressing the specific challenges of heart and kidney complications in people living with this chronic condition.
