MIAMI (October 5, 2023) – The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) , one of the largest organizations dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D), now, reaffirmed its commitment to the mission with an unprecedented $50 million gift to fund the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This transformative gift will accelerate the world-leading research toward a biological cure for T1D being led by scientific director Matthias von Herrath, M.D .
“DRIF plays a critical role in supporting the momentum of research leaders like Dr. von Herrath as they tirelessly work towards finding a cure for diabetes,” said Michael Burton , CEO, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. “Our commitment will accelerate groundbreaking research and bring hope to millions of families affected by this disease.”
DRIF, established in 1971 by a group of determined parents whose children were affected by T1D, has emerged as one of the University’s largest donors. Their unwavering commitment to finding a cure for T1D has fueled the DRI’s pioneering multidisciplinary research efforts, including islet cell transplantation, which has shown tremendous promise as a pathway to a biologic cure.
Bill Fishlinger, Chairman of the National Board of Directors for DRIF, added, “This is our moment. We are at a crossroads, an inflection point in our trajectory to eradicate type 1 diabetes. This major infusion of funding will capitalize on the research gains we have made so far at DRI. It will save lives and redefine the field for generations to come.”
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About the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and Foundation
The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and Foundation were created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be the singular focus until that goal is reached. As one of the largest and most comprehensive research centers dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is working to restore natural insulin production and normalize blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Researchers have already shown that transplanted insulin-producing islet cells allow people with type 1 diabetes to live without the need for insulin injections. Some of the DRI’s islet transplant patients have been free from insulin for more than 15 years. Funding provided by the Foundation is the driving force that allows DRI scientists to pursue new and innovative ideas, and to bring these discoveries to patients. The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is the organization of choice for those who want to Be Part of the Cure. For more information, please visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 800-321-3437.