EFSD, JDRF and Lilly Extend Collaboration Supporting Type 1 Diabetes Research

EFSD, JDRF and Lilly Extend Collaboration Supporting Type 1 Diabetes Research

Programme aims to advance knowledge in type 1 diabetes with support for research projects over three years

INDIANAPOLIS, March 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD), JDRF and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) have agreed to extend their collaboration for the European Programme in Type 1 Diabetes Research through 2020. The programme, which began in 2015, encourages research that advances knowledge about type 1 diabetes by providing grants up to EUR100,000 to nonprofit institutions and groups in Europe. Nineteen research grants including, but not limited to, research in beta cell biology and regeneration, autoimmunity/immunoregulation, novel concepts and biomaterials for beta cell replacement, and novel therapies for improved glycemic control, have been awarded to prestigious institutions and groups across Europe since 2015.

"Living with type 1 diabetes is a constant balancing act for those affected, and the disease still remains insufficiently understood," said Professor Stefano Del Prato, Chairman of EFSD. "Together with Lilly and JDRF, we are committed to fund promising scientific research in Europe to prevent, treat and finally cure type 1 diabetes and its complications."

With these research grants, the organizations hope to build upon the goals of the programme to promote and support high quality biomedical and clinical type 1 diabetes research, expedite the practical application of scientific advances and encourage clinical translation of research in Europe. The organizations also hope to increase awareness of type 1 diabetes research in the region.

"JDRF is proud to continue its support of this very effective collaboration, which is advancing the highest quality type 1 diabetes research in Europe," said Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D., JDRF Assistant Vice President, Research & International Partnerships. "By expediting our understanding of this disease and the clinical research that may lead to breakthrough therapies, we are taking significant steps toward our vision of a world without type 1 diabetes."

"We remain committed to our mission to make the lives of people with diabetes better by advancing cutting-edge research. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with important organizations like EFSD and JDRF to advance that goal," said Ruth Gimeno, Ph.D., Vice President, Diabetes Research and Clinical Investigation at Lilly. "The success of the programme over the past three years inspired us to continue the relationship and investment for the next three years."

For more information on the programme and to apply for 2018 grants, visit http://bit.ly/2GMsnLI.

About EFSD
The European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) was created by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) to provide funding in all areas of diabetes research across the entire European Region. The aims of EFSD are to encourage and support groundbreaking diabetes research and to promote the next generation of leading diabetes researchers. More information about EFSD can be found at: www.europeandiabetesfoundation.org.

About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF.

About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world's first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued determination to provide real solutions--from medicines to support programs and more--we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and www.lilly.com/newsroom/social-channels. P-LLY

    Refer to: Greg Kueterman; kueterman_gregory_andrew@lilly.com; +1(317) 432-5195

              Simon Mueller; simon.mueller@easd.org; +49 211 758 469 0; EASD

              Kristy Evans; kevans@jdrf.org; +1(212) 859-7877; JDRF

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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company