Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in New England Announces New Name to Honor Type 1 Diabetes Champion Barbara Dewey Cammett

NEW YORK, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, is pleased to announce two exciting developments at the Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in New England that bolster its commitment to accelerating scientific breakthroughs on the path to cures for T1D.

In recognition of the steadfast support of Breakthrough T1D volunteer leader John Cammett, the Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in New England has been named after his mother, who lived with T1D for nearly 60 years. The center will now be known as the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England. John Cammett helped establish the Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in New England and has provided foundational support for Project ACT, Breakthrough T1D's initiative to make curative cell therapies for T1D a reality.

"Throughout my childhood, I admired the way my mother lived a full life while navigating her type 1 diabetes. When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult, she became even more of an inspiration to me," said John Cammett. "She helped fuel my passion and commitment to doing all I can to support Breakthrough T1D and help find cures for this disease. The Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence in New England is driving cell therapy research that may one day allow all of us to walk away from type 1 diabetes. I'm honored that my mother's legacy will be part of this groundbreaking effort."

After five years of steady progress and growth in multiple research fronts, the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England has been awarded additional funding over the next four years to maintain its momentum in accelerating cell therapy research in pursuit of cures for T1D. Since its inception, it has made significant progress advancing islet cell-based T1D research, enhancing the understanding of the immune response following islet transplantation to prevent rejection, and creating genetically modified islet cells that could withstand the immune attack after transplantation into people living with T1D. The continued funding will support research that builds on this work to further advance cell therapy research with a focus on refined approaches to make islet cells healthier and more resilient to the immune system and metabolic and infectious stressors. It will continue to be led by Dr. David Harlan at UMass Chan Medical School. Significantly, Dr. Harlan and co-investigators have expanded the Center, bringing in leading experts in innovative areas to complement the existing team.

"Accelerating cell therapies from our Centers of Excellence is a key priority area for Breakthrough T1D, and one we believe will lead us to cures for type 1 diabetes," said Breakthrough T1D vice president of research Esther Latres, PhD. "Our Centers of Excellence allow for unique collaboration, innovation, and career development that make the accomplishment of joint projects that could not be achieved as individual efforts possible. The Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England is well-positioned to address the remaining key challenges in cell therapy that provide benefits to the entire type 1 diabetes community."

The center's new name announcement coincides with a generous $1 million gift from the Bukhman Foundation for the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England. Established in 2023, the Bukhman Foundation supports medical research, access to quality education, and strengthening arts and culture.

Breakthrough T1D Centers of Excellence align with the organization's research strategy and seek to leverage the expertise, specialty, and resources of world-class institutions and researchers to accelerate T1D treatments and therapies. Bringing together leading experts from diverse fields and multiple institutions, each Breakthrough T1D Center of Excellence builds on established expertise to accelerate T1D advances. The Center of Excellence model is designed to maximize resources, remove barriers, link research efforts around the world, develop the next generation of scientific leadership, and foster maximum collaboration to drive progress as quickly as possible.

The Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence is one of five around the world, powering advances to deliver cures and life-improving breakthroughs for T1D.

About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.

About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.

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Casey Fielder                                                                        
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SOURCE Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF