Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, is grateful that Congress approved a three-month, nearly $40 million extension of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), a crucial program that contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to type 1 diabetes (T1D) research annually through the National Institutes of Health.
“We deeply appreciate our Breakthrough T1D champions on Capitol Hill who have continued to support and push for renewal of the Special Diabetes Program and the critical funding it provides for type 1 diabetes research,” said Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer Lynn Starr. “We’d especially like to thank Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Diabetes Caucus co-chairs, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Congressional Diabetes Caucus co-chairs Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) for their leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Americans affected by type 1 diabetes.”
The SDP has led to significant T1D advances, including artificial pancreas technology, the first FDA-approved therapy that can delay the onset of T1D, beta cell replacement therapies, improvements to continuous glucose monitors, and treatments for complications of T1D like diabetic retinopathy. Long-term renewal of the program is essential and remains one of Breakthrough T1D’s top priorities.
The extension goes through March 31, 2025.
