Dr. Blaschke is a Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the University of Miami. His academic and professional journey has been dedicated to understanding and combating type 1 diabetes (T1D) through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. Trained in both medicine and clinical research, Dr. Blaschke began his career in Colombia, earning his MD before joining the University of Miami. Starting as a student in the Thyroid Endocrine Laboratory, his passion for translating research findings into clinical outcomes, particularly in the fields of T1D prevention and immunotherapy, has led to his progression to Director of Clinical Research at the DRI. Here he is an active researcher and house physician.
In his current role, Dr. Blaschke has had the privilege of conducting large-scale, collaborative clinical studies, many funded by the NIH. As a clinical co-investigator and coordinator for pivotal projects such as the TrialNet consortium, he has played a key role in implementing complex trials, including the landmark teplizumab T1D prevention study that ultimately led to FDA approval. His research portfolio includes investigations into innovative therapies at various stages of T1D progression, reflecting his commitment to exploring immune modulation strategies aimed at preserving beta cell function. Dr. Blaschke strives to ensure that every study at the DRI is both collaborative and translational, advancing scientific knowledge while directly benefiting patient care.
He takes great pride in the DRI team’s success in conducting complex, multicenter trials with strict adherence to protocol and data integrity. His pledge to finding a cure for T1D is deeply inspired by the commitment of patients and families determined to improve the quality of life for those affected, and ultimately discover a cure for their loved ones.
In which area of diabetes research do you specialize?
Intervention and prevention clinical Trials of T1D
What is your role within the DRI?
I am the Director of Clinical Research
What are the most important clinical trials that the DRI is involved with?
Our DRI Research Team is at the forefront of cutting-edge T1D research worldwide. We are conducting studies across all stages of T1D, utilizing a variety of innovative approaches – including stem cell research, islet cell transplantation, and immunotherapies. My primary focus is on clinical trials using immunotherapies.
What challenges are there to setting up and running clinical trials in patients with diabetes?
Setting up and managing clinical trials for patients with diabetes involves a range of challenges, such as recruiting and retaining participants, designing robust studies, and ensuring participant diversity to make results widely applicable. Although the recent approval of therapies that delay the progression of T1D makes it more difficult to include a placebo arm, this shift reflects meaningful progress in the field. It pushes researchers to develop more creative and adaptive trial designs that prioritize patient benefit while maintaining scientific rigor.
What do you think are the most pressing gaps in diabetes knowledge that we should fill?
Education and psychological support are absolutely essential, both in research and clinical settings. In our clinical research unit, we frequently encounter newly diagnosed patients who struggle because their schools – staff and classmates included – lack adequate knowledge about T1D. Additionally, participants who, after blood testing, are found to have an increased risk of developing T1D, definitely require education and psychological care to help them cope with this news.
How did your journey in clinical research begin?
My journey started very early as a medical student working at the University of Miami Thyroid Research Laboratory, where I was testing autoantibodies for different autoimmune diseases like T1D. For over 15 years, under the leadership of Dr. Jay Skyler (DRI’s Deputy Director and former Chairman of the T1D NIH TrialNet Clinical Trials Study Group), I have been involved in the conduction and coordination of multiple T1D research projects including NIH T1D TrialNet Research at the University of Miami.
Why did you choose DRI as your place of work?
Because the DRI has a clear and unwavering mission to cure diabetes, I was drawn to its purpose-driven environment. At the DRI, I had the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary teams and benefit from their diverse expertise. I find it especially exciting how basic and clinical research are connected within an innovative research setting, making it an ideal place for anyone committed to making a lasting impact in the fight against diabetes.
When I’m not working at the DRI you will find me..
Spending time with my family—either playing soccer or golf with my son or cheering on my daughter at her countless dance practices and competitions.