I look forward to advancing the Institute’s mission of accelerating a cure for type 1 diabetes. Recent studies point to promising new directions in diabetes research at the scientific and clinical levels. It has never been a more exciting time!

Matthias von Herrath, M.D., Scientific Director of the DRI and Stacy Joy Goodman Chair

Prof. Matthias von Herrath, MD is a highly respected and accomplished physician-scientist in the field of immunology and drug development for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the academic medical research as well as pharmaceutical sector. He is the Scientific Director of the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) and Stacy Joy Goodman Chair at the University of Miami School of Medicine where he is leading the DRI mission to conduct and accelerate research to delay, prevent and ultimately find a cure for type 1 diabetes.  He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in understanding the molecular mechanisms of T1D, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, and developing novel therapies for this disease. Dr. von Herrath served as a Professor and Director for the Type 1 Diabetes Research Center at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, and also currently serves as Vice President and Senior Medical Officer at Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s research and development efforts in diabetes care.

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“I look forward to advancing the Institute’s mission of accelerating a cure for type 1 diabetes,” said Dr. von Herrath, who will hold the Stacy Joy Goodman Chair. “Recent studies point to promising new directions in diabetes research at the scientific and clinical levels. It has never been a more exciting time!”

The announcement from the DRI comes on the heels of recent landmark announcements including new marketed treatment TZIELD™ and the FDA-IND clearance of the AlloStem trial, both of which were made possible through the work of DRI researchers Dr. Jay Skyler and Dr. Camillo Ricordi, respectively.

“Dr. von Herrath’s innovative research and achievements have contributed immensely to our knowledge of diabetes. His expertise and unparalleled experience are highly synergistic with our leadership in biologic replacement strategies,” shared Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Tenured Professor and Chief of the Division of Cellular Transplantation, Department of Surgery, becomes DRI Director Emeritus. “He is the ideal leader for growing the Institute’s comprehensive research portfolio towards the next quantum leaps in the search of a cure for this devastating disease.”

The DRI and its fundraising arm, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF), have worked together since 1971 to support and help advance the research with a singular goal – finding a cure for diabetes. While competitive research grants are the mainstay of world-class research institutes, the Foundation provides the DRI with critical funding to pursue various promising research avenues and continue to advance their work.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. von Herrath to the Institute as its new Scientific Director.  We firmly believe that with Dr. von Herrath’s leadership, the DRI will remain the preeminent location of scientific research focused on a biological cure of type 1 diabetes.” said William Fishlinger, Chairman, DRIF National Board of Directors.

Contact Information:
University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Diabetes Research Institute
1450 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136.
Tel. +1 (305) 243-6913; FAX +1 (305) 243-4404
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