NEW YORK, N.Y., Nov. 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - On November 6, 2014, the Juvenile Diabetes Cure Alliance announced the release of its State of the Cure 2014 report, which is the only comprehensive analysis of progress made toward a cure for type 1 diabetes.
State of the Cure 2014 investigates the real deal behind "cure breakthroughs" publicized in the news, how the major diabetes non-profits allocate donations, and what the community can do to accelerate progress toward a Practical Cure that can be delivered in the near future.
There has been significant progress for type 1 diabetes cure projects over the past twelve months. Four new projects were added to the JDCA's list of potential Practical Cure projects, including VC-01 from Viacyte and the Bionic Pancreas from Ed Damiano at Boston University. The JDCA also monitors projects that will soon enter human clinical trials, such as the Embryonic Stem Cell Line from Doug Melton's laboratory at Harvard University.
"The new projects making their way into human clinical trials is exciting," said JDCA General Manager Phil Shaw, "But 8 out of over 380 projects are simply not good odds. This report is written to help us all understand where to apply the right kind of pressure to accelerate a cure."
While these new projects warrant optimism, spending by the diabetes non-profits does not match donors' desire for a cure. Diabetes donors give and participate in fundraising events for a cure, but in the last year only 1.5% ($6 million) of the $400 million cumulatively raised by the two largest diabetes non-profits went to Practical Cure research.
"Many diabetes organizations are coming together for National Diabetes Awareness Month to promote understanding about diagnosis, treatment, and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes." Shaw said. "While this is important we believe that there's no better time to focus on the solution: a Practical Cure."
About the JDCA
The JDCA is a unique and self-funded nonprofit that aims to educate and empower donors and prompt transparency in the charitable organizations that raise money to support type 1 diabetes research. It is an independent analyst of the type 1 diabetes charitable universe and brings a business-like perspective to focus research toward a Practical Cure. The mission of the JDCA is to unite donor voices and accelerate the development of a cure for established diabetics.
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If you'd like more information about State of the Cure or to schedule an interview with the JDCA General Manager, please call 212-308-7433 or email cmm(at)thejdca(dot)org
Contact: Cara Murphy
Telephone: 212-308-7433
Email: cmm(at)thejdca(dot)org
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