Diatheris to spearhead a new era in Type 1 diabetes management

Diatheris, a start-up emerging from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), has made a promising leap in the field of diabetes treatment with a CHF 2.5 million grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Founded on the groundbreaking research of Giorgio Ramadori from UNIGE’s Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism and the Faculty Diabetes Centre, Diatheris stands at the forefront of a major medical breakthrough. Ramadori’s research, spanning over a decade, culminates in the development of a novel treatment strategy involving the protein S100A9. This protein has shown promise in prolonging life and improving health markers in insulin-deficient mice, setting the stage for transformative human applications.

Diatheris‘ approach focuses on a subcutaneous injection of a recombinant form of S100A9. This treatment aims to offer a safer, more effective, and less restrictive alternative to traditional insulin therapies. The potential benefits are far-reaching, promising to reduce insulin dependency while mitigating risks associated with hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis – common and serious challenges in current diabetes treatments.

The grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust will enable Diatheris to complete of essential pre-clinical studies and paving the way for clinical trial applications by 2025. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the start-up’s journey, highlighting a shared commitment to enhancing medical knowledge and improving the lives of those affected by type 1 diabetes.

Beyond the Helmsley Charitable Trust, Diatheris has garnered support from various sources, including an Innosuisse grant, funding from Venture Kick, and support from FONGIT. These endorsements not only underscore the start-up’s potential but also reflect the broader commitment to fostering innovative medical solutions within the Swiss healthcare ecosystem.