Cure One research center in Leiden to accelerate research into a cure for type 1 diabetes

Leiden, 14 November – Today, on World Diabetes Day, the new Cure One research center was officially opened by Peter Heijkoop, the mayor of Leiden. Cure One is an initiative of LUMC and Stichting DON. The center focuses on accelerating the development of a cure for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In the Netherlands, more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed with T1D. Worldwide, the estimate is around 9.5 million.

LUMC professor and endocrinologist Eelco de Koning leads the center: “We see every day how profoundly type 1 diabetes affects patients. Currently, for people with very complex diabetes, we perform transplants using a pancreas or islet cells from organ donors, which can lead to functional cure. But this can only be done for a few dozen people a year. That is not enough. Thanks to years of research, we now have a better understanding of the immune system and methods of cell transplantation. This is the moment to push forward. With Cure One, we are able to work more quickly toward functional cures for larger groups of people with T1D.”

LUMC is a pioneer in regenerative medicine and already has extensive expertise in T1D. Cure One brings together all the necessary knowledge, expertise, and resources. That is what makes Cure One so special. “In type 1 diabetes and curative treatments, the immune system and the insulin-producing cells play an important role. By combining knowledge in these areas, we increase the chances of a solution,” says De Koning.

Believing in a cure together

For nearly twenty years, DON has invested in groundbreaking research into T1D, with a single goal: curing type 1 diabetes. DON is co-founder of Cure One. “It has been an intense year in which we worked in very close collaboration with LUMC to establish the research center. Cure One strengthens the entire research landscape surrounding type 1 diabetes, from fundamental laboratory research to clinical application. I am very proud that Cure One is opening today — our goal is closer than ever,” says Gwen Rodenburg, director of Stichting DON.

Diabetes Fonds becomes a partner

Today, Cure One officially opened its doors and announced a strategic partnership with Diabetes Fond. Diena Halbertsma, director of the Diabetes Fonds, is happy and proud to join Cure One as a partner: “We strongly believe in the power of international collaboration to achieve our shared goal: curing type 1 diabetes. With our expertise and network, we can help accelerate the progress needed to bring a cure for type 1 diabetes closer.”

Festive opening with talk show

The opening was celebrated with a special talk show. Presenters Klaas van Kruistum and Roxanne Kwant, both ambassadors for DON, spoke with researchers Eelco de Koning and Bart Roep about the latest developments. They also spoke with patients about the impact of type 1 diabetes on their lives and what Cure One means to them. Mayor Peter Heijkoop, together with a 10-year-old patient living with type 1 diabetes, officially opened the new research center.

Visit www.cureone.com for all information about the new Cure One research center. The talk show will be available from Saturday afternoon, 15 November, on the website.