Clinical Trials

While raising money to fund research is critical to our mission, dollars alone won’t help scientists find a cure.  We also need families to participate in clinical studies, providing blood samples and family histories for example, to help unlock the mysteries of type 1 diabetes. Below you will find information about clinical trials focusing on diabetes research.

What Is a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials are research studies used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) ClinicalTrials.gov web site answers some of the most frequently asked questions about these studies.

Research Studies in the Northwest

• TEDDY Study for Expecting Families with a Type 1 Mom, Dad, or Child
  The TEDDY study seeks to identify common infections or foods that may trigger diabetes. Families with a mother, father, or child with type 1 diabetes who are expecting another child—or who have a newborn under 4 months—are eligible. Contact Michael Brantley, Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute (206)860-6770 or mbrantley@pnri.org.
• NIH Experimental Therapy for the Newly Diagnosed
  Patients (14–30 years) within 6 weeks of type 1 diabetes diagnosis are eligible for a new study to preserve insulin-producing cells that still work shortly after diagnosis. The experimental therapy, done at the UW Clinical Research Center, uses a mono­clonal antibody to protect functioning insulin cells from further attack. Contact Martha Pyne, Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute at 888-324-2140 or mpyne@pnri.org. Or contact Katrina at 888-324-2140 or dkatrina@pnri.org.
• Intervention Studies for the Recently Diagnosed
  Multiple intervention studies aim to stop the autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells and prolong the “honey­moon” phase. Newly diagnosed individuals (ages 6–45) may be eligible. Contact the Diabetes Program at Benaroya Research Institute at 800-888-4187 or diabetes@BenaroyaResearch.org.
• Intervention for People Diagnosed in Past Four Years
  Studies in animals have suggested that combining the medicines Sirolimus and IL-2 may save the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. While both of these medicines are already in use for patients with other conditions, they have not been used together to treat type 1 diabetes. The goal of this study is to find out if taking the medicines together is safe for people with type 1 diabetes. Participants ages 18-45 are eligible. Contact the Diabetes Program at Benaroya Research Institute at 800-888-4187 or diabetes@BenaroyaResearch.org.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
  This study examines differences between diabetes patients who have DKA and those who don’t. Children (ages 5–17) with type 1 diabetes without DKA and an HbA1c less than or equal to 9.5 are eligible. Contact Seattle Children’s Hospital at 206-987-2540 or diabe­tesresearch@seattlechildrens.org.
• SEARCH Diabetes in Youth
  This study examines diabetes effects on quality of life and health care. Anyone 22 years old or younger diagnosed since January 1, 2006 is eligible. Contact Seattle Children’s Hospital at 206-987-2540 or search@seattl­echildrens.org.
• TrialNet Oral Insulin Study
  Oral insulin may delay or prevent diabetes up to 4.5 years in family members. TrialNet is testing oral insulin in first-degree relatives aged 1–45 (parents, siblings, or children) and second-degree relatives aged 1–20 (grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or half-siblings). Contact the Diabetes Program at Benaroya Research Institute at 800-888-4187 or diabetes@BenaroyaResearch.org. Or call Seattle Children’s Hospital at 206-987-2540.
• JDRF Natural History Study
  People with type 1 diabetes, or their family members, are needed to help find the causes of diabetes. Participants give blood samples and a medical history. Contact the Diabetes Program at Benaroya Research Institute at 800-888-4187 or diabetes@BenaroyaResearch.org. Or call Seattle Children’s Hospital at 206-987-2540.
• Type1 Genetics Consortium
  African-Americans or Mexican-Americans with—or without—type 1 diabetes are needed to help identify the genes involved in the disease process. Contact the Diabetes Program at Benaroya Research Institute at 800-888-4187 or diabetes@BenaroyaResearch.org.

Clinical Trials

• Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet is a group of studies looking at the prevention and early treatment of type 1 diabetes. This site provides information about ongoing and completed TrialNet Studies.TrialNet performs trials for newly diagnosed or at risk individuals for type 1 diabetes.
• The Immune Tolerance network (ITN) conducts clinical trials and tolerance assay studies in the following disease areas: Transplantation (Islet, Kidney, Liver), Autoimmune Diseases, and Allergy & Asthma. Information is provided on current clinical trials in new onset type 1 diabetes.
• TRX4 (anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody) Therapeutic Evaluation of Different Dose Regimens (TTEDD)