Award recognizes outstanding efforts in type 1 diabetes research
New York, April 18, 2024—JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, proudly announces Dr. Viral Shah as the recipient of the 2023 Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine, M.D., Excellence in Clinical Research Award for his leadership and achievements in T1D research.
The award was established in honor of the late actress, Mary Tyler Moore, who served as chairman of Breakthrough T1D International from 1984 until her passing in 2017, and her husband, Dr. Levine, who remains committed to Breakthrough T1D’s mission. The award recognizes leaders and innovators for outstanding clinical and translational T1D research.
Dr. Shah is a professor of medicine in endocrinology and metabolism and the director of diabetes clinical research at the Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Indiana University whose research focuses on improving glycemic control and reducing complications in people with T1D. Dr. Shah is currently leading a Breakthrough T1D-funded trial to examine the effects of semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, in people with T1D and hybrid closed-loop systems, and he recently published the first report on use of the GLP1-GIP agonist Mounjaro in T1D that demonstrated promising results. His research has also shown the association between time in range and retinopathy progression in T1D, which provides necessary evidence to support future therapy development.
“Breakthrough T1D is honored to present this award to Dr. Shah and recognize his innovative and outstanding contributions in type 1 diabetes research that continue to move the field and our mission forward,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D. “As a breakthrough leader in adult endocrinology, Dr. Shah is advancing research that is critical to reduce the life-altering complications of T1D, such as, but not limited to, retinopathy, and improving the lives of millions who live with the disease.”
Breakthrough T1D Research award recipients were recognized at a ceremony in New York City earlier in April 2024.
About Breakthrough T1D
JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, Breakthrough T1D has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally and globally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a global stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).
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 or long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death if left untreated. 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.
Media Contact:
Casey Fielder
509-651-0087
media@BreakthroughT1D.org
