The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Novo Nordisk A/S has announced two new initiatives to boost diabetes research in Europe; the first initiative will focus on type 1 diabetes and will receive funding from all three parties, while the second initiative will focus on type 2 diabetes and will receive funding only from EASD and Novo Nordisk A/S.

This unique non-profit and private sector partnership builds upon successful research programmes launched by the three parties in 2000. Together, the three partners have committed 3.6 million euros (4.5 million US dollars), which will fund a wide range of European-based diabetes research over the next three years.

The type 1 diabetes programme will provide research grants within a broad range of research areas, including projects aimed at finding a cure for diabetes. The type 2 programmes will support research into diabetes in children and youth with a special focus on the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Prof Ele Ferrannini, president of EASD and EFSD, stressed the importance of increasing funding for diabetes research in Europe: "We have a lot of diabetes expertise in Europe, but the level of funding of the research is inadequate. I hope this partnership between EASD, JDRF and Novo Nordisk will inspire both governments and industry to increase their contributions to basic research into diabetes."

According to Dr Richard Insel, executive vice president of research for JDRF, "Europe has some truly exciting type 1 diabetes research underway, and the partnership between JDRF, EASD and Nordisk will energise that research. We anticipate accelerated progress as a result of this collaboration."

Novo Nordisk A/S, the sole industry partner, is contributing to both the type 1 and 2 programmes. Peter Kurtzhals, senior vice president and head of Novo Nordisk's diabetes research commented, "We are proud to be part of this programme together with EASD and JDRF. There are many barriers to be overcome before we are anywhere near having defeated diabetes. I'm convinced that the research initiated under our programme will help remove some of the barriers."