Recognizing Breakthrough T1D

Floor Speech

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Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I rise today to commemorate this special occasion--the renaming of JDRF to Breakthrough T1D--and the leadership that this organization continues to provide in its advocacy for children and adults living with type 1 diabetes.

I am proud to have worked with Breakthrough T1D since my very first year in the Senate in 1997. They are a foundation with a singular focus: to improve the lives of every person affected by type 1 diabetes--T1D--by supporting research for treatments, cures, and ultimately a way to prevent the disease. They are the premier global organization focused on T1D research at every life stage--from stopping or slowing the progression of T1D in the newly diagnosed, reversing it in those who have lived with it for years, avoiding or reversing complications of T1D, and preventing the disease in at risk populations and in future generations.

Today's rebranding from JDRF--the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation--to Breakthrough T1D represents where we are in the world of T1D. It never has been just an affliction for the young. Anyone, at any age, can be diagnosed with T1D. Using the term ``juvenile'' no longer accurately reflects the organization and its mission. And ``breakthrough'' may speak for itself. The organization is not only at the forefront of supporting research breakthroughs for T1D, but also is breaking through the barriers to improve T1D patients' lives. Both these significant attributes are now rightly reflected in the organization's name.

Breakthrough T1D will continue to focus on the ultimate goal we all share: that no one suffers from T1D. And we must not stop until that goal is reached.

But that goal will only be achieved through more research. That is why I am proud to continue my work with Senator Shaheen supporting the reauthorization and funding of the Special Diabetes Program--SDP. The SDP has funded the creation of unique, innovative, and collaborative research consortia and clinical trials networks focused on the prevention, treatment, and cure of T1D for more than 25 years. SDP has enabled the National Institutes of Health to expand T1D research beyond what is possible with annual appropriations and to conduct clinical trials that likely would not be done by the private sector. SDP has been a key component of many significant breakthroughs in T1D research, and I want to highlight two.

First, the artificial pancreas. The SDP has supported key research that helped develop several glucose management technologies, including the artificial pancreas. The artificial pancreas is a life-changing advance for many with T1D because it automates insulin delivery in response to a person's blood glucose level, replacing fingerstick tests and individual insulin shots. Funding from the SDP over the past decade has revolutionized the field and increased the number of commercially available, FDA-approved artificial pancreas devices from zero to seven. Today, there are even devices available to children as young as 2.

Second, we finally have the first FDA-approved treatment to slow the progression of T1D. The critical research underpinning this treatment came from a clinical trial funded by the SDP. This treatment has now brought forward a new era of T1D clinical management by delaying onset of the disease by at least 3 years--and potentially more. That is 3 years without having to take insulin, do fingerstick tests, or deal with potential complications from the disease. While the SDP has led to countless other breakthroughs in treatment for people living with T1D, these two examples highlight the importance of the program, the success of the program, and why it needs to expand and continue until no one suffers from type 1 diabetes.

As we continue to strive toward a world where no one is afflicted by T1D, we also need to face today's reality where many Americans who need lifesaving insulin cannot afford it. The rising cost of insulin presents a barrier to care for a number of Americans living with T1D. Out-of-pocket costs increase with list prices, and for people without insurance, the costs are too often untenable. That is why I am proud to work with this organization on a bill to limit out-of-pocket costs for insulin for those with T1D, address structural issues in the insulin market, and create policies to foster more competition. I will continue to work with Breakthrough T1D to ensure insulin affordability for all.

Please join me in commemorating today's exciting rebranding from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D. This organization has been a catalyst in the field of T1D research and a champion on issues of importance to this community. I am certain that Breakthrough T1D will continue breaking through the barriers toward a world where no one is afflicted with type 1 diabetes.

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