PM grants $5 million to establish Australian Clinical Trial Network for Type 1 Diabetes
In an exciting step forward for Australian type 1 diabetes research, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has confirmed that the Australian Government will provide $5 million funding to support the establishment of an Australian Clinical Trial Network for Type 1 Diabetes.
This announcement stems from the Prime Minister’s initial commitment to match the generous $500,000 pledge made by JDRF President Dr Sue Alberti AO at the recent Federal Kids in the House event in Canberra.
The establishment of a Clinical Trial Network in Australia has been flagged as top priority by the type 1 diabetes research community and, according to JDRF Australia Head of Research Dr Dorota Pawlak, will make a significant difference to our ability to improve outcomes for people with diabetes in Australia.
“Clinical trials are the final stage in the research process and as such are essential to translating laboratory research into the new methods of prevention and treatment that are so desperately needed,” explains Dr Pawlak.
“Australia is recognised as a world leader in type 1 diabetes research, but our current research infrastructure can make it difficult for this knowledge to be effectively used.”
“Not only will the Australian type 1 diabetes clinical trial network speed up the process of finding a cure for this insidious disease, it will attract international funding and provide a proven return on investment for the public funds directed towards type 1 diabetes research in the past.”
“It will also allow us to participate in international clinical trials – a huge benefit for both researchers and people with type 1 diabetes.”
JDRF CEO Mike Wilson applauds the ongoing support and commitment of the Federal Government but warns that more funds are urgently needed.
“JDRF and the 140,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes are grateful for the Prime Minister’s funding support for the Clinical Trial Network. This is a strong and positive first step towards the establishment of this essential public health tool.”
“JDRF has a strong history of partnership with the Australian Government, however the $30 million Islet Transplantation Program that has been funded by the Department for Health and Ageing since 2006 will end in 2011 and we are looking to our Federal representatives to maintain the current level of investment in type 1 diabetes research and provide further support,” said Mike Wilson.
The Australian Government’s funding of $5 million will be provided as a one-off payment in 2009-10. JDRF Australia has also pledged to raise a further $5 million towards the $40 million required for this world-class research initiative.
Photo of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, www.247studios.com.au.
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A very good initiative that should be taken in many parts of the world.Since each and every one of us in one or the other concerned by the disease.We now what saccharine is today.Vividly a lot of backing to such commitment
This is a huge step in the right direction all we need to do now is to continue the plight of the 140 000 people Australia wide. We need to have more awareness and give more information of the difference between type 1 and type 2. I know there are many other awful diseases out there, but I am campaining for this one first and foremost. For my daughter and all the kids I now know and the adults that have type 1.
So lets get this ball rolling and never let it stop, one step at a time
I am Type1 Diabetic have had for 22yrs now. I first read about the technology in New Zealand a few weeks ago. I am very keen for a clinical trial to go ahead here in Australia. Good on ya Kevin Rudd for getting behind this. I am very keen to here the out come of this.
kevin rudd thank u for donating this much for diabetes coz i have it and so do two other kids at my school.
THANK U KEVIN RUDD I THINK U ARE THE BEST PM EVER COZ WE HADNT HAD A PM DO THIS SO YEHH
LIKE I'VE HAD DIABETES FOR ONE YEAR AND NOW IM ALMOST 11 YEARS OLD.
THANX
KIND REGARDS
ALEX.
Thankyou so much Kevin Rudd. When I read positive things i get so excited that a cure for type 1 diabetes is just around the corner. There is hope that my 3 year old son can lead a normal life.
YOU ROCK KEVIN RUDD!!!!!