"A novel molecule that has the potential to regenerate beta cell mass and function"

Two important discoveries have added direction and excitement to the research program established by Dr. Jean Buteau. The first discovery is that the majority of people living with Type I Diabetes (T1D) are still generating viable beta-cells to produce very low levels of insulin. The second of these discoveries is that Dr. Buteau has characterized a gene as a novel critical regulator of beta-cell mass.

Work in his lab has proven some truly remarkable things. TID model mice have, through Dr. Buteau’s interventions and this novel molecule already being tested in T2D patients, have increased beta-cell survival and mass development. That has improved the glucose control in these mice with glucagon exposure. In other words, he figured out how T1D mice can beat the disease and create their own insulin.

What’s next for Dr. Buteau? ADF is actively fundraising to fund the next trial that Dr. Buteau would do in humans and the sense of urgency is HUGE! The next step is recruiting the first cohort of 60 participants to test this same molecule over an 18-month period. And then, a much larger and more expensive Phase II Clinical Trial would follow that.

What is wonderfully remarkable about this work and the small molecule that Dr Buteau and his team are working with? It is already in Phase II Clinical Trials in people with T2D and could pave the pathway to through Health Regulatory body approvals, fast-tracking the answer for people with T1D. There is nobody in the world closer to a treatment / cure for people living with diabetes to live insulin free! And the work is happening right here in Alberta!

WATCH Dr. Buteau explain this project in his own words.