TNFα Inhibition for Early Intervention/Preservation of β-cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes
Room 208
Level 2, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Q&A with Teresa Quattrin, MD
Senior Associate Dean for Research Integration,
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
What is your presentation about?
This presentation covers the rationale for therapies to preserve beta cell function in T1D and key trials in this arena. It will describe successful immunomodulation strategies and focus on TNF alpha inhibition as potential Disease Modifying Agents (DMAs). Comments will be made regarding Population Health Screening and the difficult pharmacoeconomic environment for DMAs development.
What makes this topic important in 2022?
The potential role of anti-TNF therapy and immunomodulation are relevant clinically because to date strategies to prevent autoimmunity and or intrinsic dysfunction of the beta cell have not been successful in T1D. Moreover, despite the advances in T1D management and technology, Diabetes Exchange data have shown that metabolic control has worsened over time in T1D, especially during adolescence.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
As a pediatric endocrinologist and diabetologist and physician scientist for over 30 years, I have had the privilege to care for patients from a very young age to their early adulthood years. I have always directed my research efforts towards translational research that had the potential of improving the lives of persons with T1D. After having been involved in TrialNet studies that delineated the natural history of T1D, I felt that discovering ways of halting/slowing down the demise of the beta cell were key to reducing the burden of T1D.
What are you most looking forward to at the 82nd Scientific Sessions?
I am looking forward to hearing more about innovative strategies for T1D prevention, management and cure and hope to learn more about T1D population health screening.
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