New Info Hub for Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Trials
The Australian Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network (CRN) has launched a new website designed to increase the profile of type 1 diabetes clinical research in Australia.
This new website has been designed to help facilitate participation in type 1 diabetes clinical trials. The new format is easy to navigate, and includes information about the importance of clinical trials for research progress, and allows people with type 1 diabetes to register their interest in current trials.
The redesigned website will also become a hub of collaboration for researchers across Australia. New resources will be added as the website continues to grow and expand, including the first Australian ‘biobank’ registry for researchers to access tissue samples for research purposes.
Professor Tim Jones of the University of Western Australia says “The CRN has been a game changer for type 1 diabetes research in Australia. The work that the CRN has done in concentrating experience and expertise will facilitate future important trials. There is no doubt that this investment will pay off handsomely in the future for patients, patient outcomes and the Australian community”.
Australian researchers, brought together in a JDRF workshop, identified the need for more support for human clinical trials in Australia. The CRN will help to fill the gap, by facilitating collaboration and a coordinated approach to Australian type 1 diabetes translational research.
JDRF Chief Executive Officer Mike Wilson says “With full support, the CRN has the potential to turn Australia into a world-leader in the field of type 1 diabetes clinical research. I look forward to the expansion of the network in the years to come, until we finally reach a cure for type 1 diabetes”.
This new website design comes in advance of JDRF Kids in the House in November 2012, where 100 young type 1 diabetes advocates from around the country will be visiting Parliament House in Canberra to speak to Federal politicians about the importance of a further $35 million in funding for the CRN.
The initial $5 million grant from the Australian Government to JDRF in 2010 for the CRN has already delivered impressive results. More information about the CRN achievements to date can be found in the 2012 CRN Annual Report, accessible through the new website:
For more information please contact Lyndal Howison on 0411 110 717 or
Type 1 diabetes, JDRF, and the Australian Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network
Typically striking young people, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys the ability to produce insulin, which is vital for life. Australia has one of the highest rates of type 1 in the world. Type 1 diabetes requires a daily regime of multiple injections or continuous infusion of insulin through a pump, as well as 6 – 8 finger-prick blood tests, to stay alive. Researchers are working hard to more fully understand the complicated mix of genetic and environmental factors that may cause or trigger this disease. However, it is certain that going on a diet or cutting down on sugar doesn’t stop type 1 diabetes.
JDRF is the world’s leading charitable supporter of type 1 diabetes research and has invested more than $1.6 billion into research since 1970, including more than $100million into Australian research specifically. JDRF has been part of every major advance in type 1 diabetes research in the past four decades. Please see for more information.
The Government-funded Australian Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network (CRN) helps to facilitate faster progress towards curing, treating and preventing type 1 diabetes. Through clinical trials, successful type 1 diabetes research can be turned into new accessible therapies and treatments for people with type 1 diabetes. Please see for more information.