IDS 2026 Congress Ushers in New Era for Type 1 Diabetes Research Down Under
The 21st Immunology of Diabetes Society (IDS) Congress, held from April 20 to 24, 2026, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, marked a pivotal moment for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research in Australia. Hosted by the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) and the Australian Islet Study Group (AISG), this international gathering brought together leading scientists, clinicians, industry experts, and advocates to discuss the latest advances in T1D pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. For the first time in over a decade, the event returned to Australia, highlighting the nation's growing role in global T1D efforts. With more than 145,000 Australians living with T1D and approximately 3,000 new diagnoses annually, the congress emphasized urgent needs like early screening and innovative therapies.
Keynote speakers, including IDS President Sarah Richardson and ADS President Josephine Forbes, underscored the importance of β-cell biology and immunology. Emma Hamilton-Williams, the congress convener, highlighted how collaborations between Australian universities and international partners are accelerating progress. Breakthrough T1D, a major funder, shared insights from the meeting, focusing on access to high-quality human pancreatic tissue—a critical resource for understanding T1D's autoimmune roots.
Pancreatic Tissue Access: A Game-Changer for T1D Studies
One standout discussion revolved around improving access to human pancreatic tissue for research. Supported by the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD), experts stressed that high-quality samples are essential for studying islet cell destruction in T1D. Australian researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) and St Vincent's Institute (SVI) presented data showing how better tissue banking could fast-track immunotherapy development. This is particularly relevant in Australia, where T1D prevalence is rising, with one in three children diagnosed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a preventable emergency with early intervention.
The session revealed that standardized protocols for tissue procurement could boost study reproducibility by 40%, based on recent nPOD analyses. Universities like the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) are leading efforts to establish national biobanks, partnering with Breakthrough T1D to fund collection from organ donors.
Semaglutide Trial Launches in Sydney: Targeting Cardiometabolic Risks in T1D
A highlight was the launch of the REducing Cardiometabolic Risk with SEmaglutide in Type 1 Diabetes (RE-CREST) trial at the University of Sydney. This study investigates semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist known for Type 2 Diabetes management, in T1D patients to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cardiovascular risks. Recruiting adults with T1D, the trial measures gastric emptying and glucose control over 12 weeks.
Principal investigators from Breakthrough T1D's clinical trials network noted that obesity in T1D patients has doubled in the last decade, complicating management. Early data suggest semaglutide could lower insulin needs by 15-20% while aiding weight loss, potentially transforming care for the 10% of Australian diabetes cases that are T1D.
World-First Immunotherapy Trial at UQ: Reprogramming the Autoimmune Response
The University of Queensland (UQ) made headlines with the world's first human trial of an immunotherapy drug targeting T1D's root cause. Dosing five participants diagnosed within five years, the trial tests a drug that reprograms autoreactive T-cells to halt beta-cell destruction. Led by Frazer Institute researchers, initial safety data presented at IDS showed no serious adverse events, with hints of preserved C-peptide (insulin production marker) in responders.
This builds on preclinical work funded by Breakthrough T1D, where low-dose anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) from the MELD-ATG trial preserved insulin in honeymoon-phase patients. UQ's Translational Research Institute is scaling this for broader use, aiming to delay clinical onset by years.
Photo by Eriksson Luo on Unsplash
Stem Cell and Beta-Cell Replacement: Australian Innovations Leading the Way
Stem cell-derived beta cells dominated discussions, with Monash University and SVI reporting advances in scalable islet production. Breakthrough T1D's Project ACT (Alliance for Cellular Therapy) is testing allogeneic stem cell islets protected from immune attack. Preclinical results showed stable glucose control in non-human primates for over a year.
Australian pilots integrate these with tegoprubart immunosuppression, reducing rejection risks. At IDS, Carmella Evans-Molina from Indiana University (collaborating with Aussie teams) shared how gene-edited stem cells could achieve insulin independence in 70% of recipients, a leap from current 50% at one year.
- Key benefit: Off-the-shelf cells eliminate donor shortages.
- Risk: Immune evasion needs refinement.
- Comparison: Vertex's VX-880 trial (US) vs. Australian adaptations for local ethics.
National Screening Pilots: Preventing DKA Through Early Detection
Australia's Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot, funded by Breakthrough T1D, screened over 6,700 children, identifying 25,000 at risk nationwide. Led by WEHI and Sydney Children's Hospital, it uses autoantibody tests to catch stage 1 T1D before symptoms. Data at IDS showed 30% of positives progressed slower with monitoring, averting DKA.
The Australasian Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy Collaborative (ATIC) coordinates multi-site efforts, with UQ and Royal Melbourne Hospital expanding to adults. Prevalence stats: T1D incidence 12 per 100,000, highest in kids under 10.
| Screening Stage | Prevalence in Pilot | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (Autoantibodies+) | 1.2% | Monitoring |
| Stage 2 (Dysglycemia) | 0.4% | Teplizumab eligible |
| Stage 3 (Clinical T1D) | N/A | Prevention focus |
Australian Universities Driving T1D Innovation
Institutions like UQ, Monash, WEHI, and SVI are at the forefront, securing $50 million in federal funding for cures announced in 2025. UQ's Diamyd Medical trial tests GAD-alum vaccine, showing 80% honeymoon extension in stage 2 patients. Monash's beta-cell regeneration via Yamanaka factors promises functional cures.
Collaborations with global leaders like Mark Atkinson (Florida) at IDS fostered data-sharing. These efforts position Australia as a T1D hub, with 20+ active trials via ANZCTR.
Challenges and Solutions: Funding, Ethics, and Translation
Despite progress, challenges persist: high trial costs ($10M+ per phase), ethical stem cell sourcing, and translating preclinical wins to clinics. Solutions include Breakthrough T1D's $3B global funding (leveraging $6B more), public-private partnerships, and nPOD's tissue network.
Stakeholder views: Patients advocate for faster access; researchers call for diverse cohorts reflecting Australia's multicultural population.
Photo by Martin David on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Towards Prevention and Cure by 2030
IDS 2026 optimistically projected combination therapies—screening + immunotherapy + stem cells—could prevent 50% of cases. Australian pilots aim for national rollout by 2028, potentially saving $1B in DKA costs yearly. With government backing and university-led trials, Australia is poised for breakthroughs.
Actionable insights: Researchers should prioritize scalable manufacturing; universities expand T1D programs; policymakers fund screening infrastructure.
Implications for Higher Education and Research Careers
Australia's T1D push creates jobs in immunology, biotech, and clinical research. Universities like UQ seek postdocs for cell therapy; Monash hires for beta-cell modeling. Explore opportunities at AcademicJobs research positions.
This momentum elevates Australian HE in global health sciences, attracting talent and funding.
