New York, NY, Jan. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust’s Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Program today announced a funding opportunity through the new Future Technologies Initiative. Helmsley’s Future Technologies Initiative aims to accelerate the development of novel, early-stage, disruptive technologies that have the potential to change the current state of T1D management and significantly improve glucose control while reducing the burden for people living with T1D.
T1D requires individuals to use imperfect tools to mimic the body’s pancreas, which regulates blood sugars in a timely and precise manner. Mimicking the pancreas is an impossible task that involves hundreds of day-to-day, minute-to-minute, life-and-death decisions with insulin, a drug that could be deadly if miscalculated. As a result, it is incredibly difficult for individuals with T1D to maintain proper glycemic control and avoid the risk of associated health complications.
While new technologies have been shown to improve glucose control and reduce the burden of living with T1D, a large majority of people living with T1D are still not meeting recommended target average blood glucose levels.
“In the last number of years, we have seen great advances in diabetes technology. However, gaps still exist in managing this difficult disease,” said Sean Sullivan, Program Officer for Helmsley’s Type 1 Diabetes Program. “With this RFP, we hope to attract novel approaches and advance the progress of early-stage ideas so we can get meaningful technology into the hands of people living with this disease.”
Through the Future Technologies Initiative, Helmsley intends to support projects that are high-risk, high-impact, and have long-term vision. The initiative aims to incubate proof-of-concept, early-stage research and development to assist applicants in later securing larger funding. Bold thinking, novel approaches, and partnerships that incorporate technologies and expertise outside of the diabetes field are encouraged.
The Future Technologies Initiative offers two tracks for funding, with projects receiving up to $750,000:
- Novel insulin and glucagon delivery technologies
- Novel sensing technologies
“Helmsley is committed to investing in technologies, therapies, and clinical care models that can improve outcomes and ease the burden of living with this demanding, complex disease,” said Gina Agiostratidou, Director of Helmsley’s Type 1 Diabetes Program. “We are excited to find new ideas with the power and the potential to change the paradigm of diabetes management.”
Applications from both for-profit and nonprofit U.S. and international entities are welcome for this funding opportunity. Helmsley will consider supporting one or more projects with a maximum term of 24 months. More information about the funding opportunity and how to apply is available on the Helmsley website at http://helmsleytrust.org/future-technologies-initiative.
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About the Helmsley Charitable Trust
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $2 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. For more information, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70ba8663-df8d-4fc8-9530-fd036bb85f1c
CONTACT: Laura Fahey The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust 212-953-2814 lfahey@helmlseytrust.com
