Steno awarded two EU research grants

The EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) has awarded Steno Diabetes Center with research grants totalling 11 million Euros.

By Philip Munch

The grants will fund two prevention projects to run over the next 3-5 years involving a wide range of European partners, including diabetes clinics, universities and industry.

Preventing young people from developing type 2 diabetes
The first project, DEXLIFE, is led by John Nolan, CEO and Head of Steno. The aim of the project is to enable early stage identification of people with pre-diabetes who respond poorly or not at all to diet and exercise interventions. The project will look at markers in the blood, muscle and genes to establish a better understanding of the progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes and how it can be prevented.

There is an urgent need for this type of research as type 2 diabetes among young people is an increasing problem globally.

Early prevention of kidney complications
The second project, PRIORITY, is led by Peter Rossing, Head of Research at Steno. The project will investigate early markers of kidney disease in the urine to identify people who are at risk and to develop a new treatment option which can delay the progression of complications.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing kidney complications which can ultimately lead to the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. This project will explore whether a new, early treatment intervention can prolong life-span and improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.

"This is an important milestone for research at Steno. Both projects are focused on prevention of type 2 diabetes, progression of disease and its complications – very much in line with our strategic focus”, says John Nolan.

About EU Seventh Framework Programmes
The Framework Programmes 7 is EU’s main instrument for funding research 2007-2013. Framework Programmes are proposed by the European Commission and adopted by Council and the European Parliament following a co-decision procedure. Learn more 


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