Hello everyone! We are excited to let you know that we have expended our Diabetes Interviews section to include some prominent diabetes cure researchers as well – after all, these are the people working hard for our ultimate goal.
Our first interview is with Dr. Alberto Hayek, MD, a professor from the Department of Pediatrics from UC San Diego.
Dr. Hayek has been involved in some interesting research, including insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells and replicating human islet in vitro. Read more about him and his work on the UCSD Faculty page: http://peds.ucsd.edu/pdrc/faculty/profiles/hayek-alberto.shtml
Dr.Hayek answers questions regarding the current state of type 1 research and some of the JDCA’s main beliefs below:
1) What persuaded you to take up diabetes research study?
When I was a pediatric endocrine fellow at the MGH several years ago, the time-spent training for diabetes care or research was minimal. This was reflected in the severe complications that our adult colleagues and we were facing clearly calling for more attention to research, and improved care and education of both patients and physicians. In the late 70s we were not aware of the tsunami that was coming in terms of the increased incidence of both T1D and T2D. My interest in research arose from the scant attention and very few reports published in issues dealing with the biology of islets and cell transplantation, fields just began to make a small impact in the same decade. This research now performed at several academic centers and industry, including our own, has advanced rapidly and helped a great deal in the development of protocols, for instance, in the transition of stem cells towards insulin-producing cells.
2) In your 25 + years experience in the field, do you believe we have made any big strides towards a cure for type 1 diabetes?
Indeed. We understand much about islet biology as it applies to human beta cell replication, function and death. Diabetes is the only chronic disease treated successfully with a cell-based therapy –islet transplantation- that although still faces many obstacles may be a life saving procedure for a limited number of patients.
The advances in pancreas and islet transplantation, immunosuppressive regimens post transplantation and in efforts to prevent diabetes are impressive and they are laying the ground for potential new cell based therapies including stem cells.
3) What are the biggest challenges standing in the way of a cure? Is there enough funding?
Most funding requires solid basis and preliminary data on which a proposal is anchored. In today’s scientific research there is duplication and difficulties in knowing what has been done because word of mouth is the only way to know negative results. Even scientific reviewers never received a follow up on what was funded except when positive results are published. I think that it will help the scientist and the public in general to know the fate of funded programs, especially the multiyear contracts where after 5 year of funding even to the investigators the initial goals may differ in relation to where the program is going or where it went.
The JDCA aims to be an independent analyst of the type I diabetes philanthropic landscape. We are seeking to form a paradigm-shifting coalition of donors who will work together to facilitate a cure for type 1 diabetes by 2025. Two of our major tenets are the importance of defining a cure and establishing a cure-by date.
4) What is your definition of a cure? What restrictions would have to be lifted off a person’s lifestyle in order for you to consider something to be a “cure”?
I think your definitions for a practical and ideal cure are quite acceptable. However as written they will not be available in the next few years. Intermediate goals would be more appropriate and we could discuss what may be more realistic for the next 5-10 years.
5) Do you believe your field of study can lead to such a cure?
Yes, but not alone. A cure requires a team with people involved equally in beta cells and the immune system. With today funding realities it is impossible to put all your attention to just one goal. No single grant fully supports a team concentrated in a cure for diabetes. As a result, a laboratory heads needs 3 or 4 grants to support a team that by all-inclusive.
6) When do you think this will be achieved?
Frankly, I could not tell you.
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