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DRI Scientist Contributes to Influential Scientific Statement on Type 1 Diabetes Pathogenesis

Major publication outlines current understanding and future direction in T1D research. Presented at ENDO 2025 and published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

MIAMI, FL (July 22, 2025) – The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Dirk Homann, a leading immunologist at the University of Miami’s Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), was among the expert contributors to a newly released Scientific Statement from the Endocrine Society. Titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Understanding the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes,” the Statement was presented during the ENDO 2025 conference on July 14 and simultaneously published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

This timely and influential publication provides a comprehensive overview of the current scientific consensus on how type 1 diabetes develops, highlights critical knowledge gaps, and lays out a strategic agenda for future research and therapeutic innovation. The initiative was led by Dr. Aaron W. Michels (University of Colorado) and Dr. Alvin C. Powers (Vanderbilt University), with contributions from Drs. Todd Brusko, Carmella Evans-Molina, Sarah Richardson, and the DRI’s Dirk Homann.

“Dr. Homann’s contributions reflect the caliber of expertise at the DRI and reinforce our mission to advance the science needed to cure diabetes,” said Dr. Matthias von Herrath, Scientific Director of the Diabetes Research Institute. “This Statement serves as a vital reference point for the research community as we work toward better outcomes for people living with type 1 diabetes.”

The publication affirms that type 1 diabetes is a complex autoimmune disease, influenced by genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. It also emphasizes the growing importance of early detection, precision medicine, and novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring beta cell function.

Released more than a century after the discovery of insulin, this Scientific Statement signals a renewed commitment to understanding the disease at its root and ultimately altering its course.

The full publication is available as a ENDO 2025 – Homann attached to this release.

About the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation

The DRI is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary research center and recognized world leader in the field. By working in close collaboration with cure-focused partners in real-time across the globe, we can accelerate the pace of discovery and ensure that the best ideas are quickly translated into actionable clinical research.

The DRI Foundation (DRIF), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate and committed to preventing and curing diabetes. Our mission – to provide the DRI with the funding necessary to advance critical research – is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to change the lives of people living with diabetes.

DRIF donors support researchers with funding necessary to initiate critical cure-focused research, thus better positioning our scientists to compete for additional research funding. Donor support is also an important source of bridge funding, which researchers utilize to cover funding gaps and to accelerate the translation of novel research into transformational therapies for patients. Private philanthropic support is more important than ever!  For more information, please visit www.diabetesresearch.org or call 800-321-3437.

 

Media Contact:
Michael Myers
Chief Communications Officer
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
847.208.6920
mmyers@drif.org

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