Bukhman Foundation announces £100 milion commitment towards Type 1 Diabetes

The Bukhman Foundation is proud to announce a £100 million commitment to advance groundbreaking research and treatment in the fight against type 1 diabetes. This is a long-term initiative designed to advance research on, and treatement for, type 1 diabetes (T1D).This commitment reflects our deep belief in the power of science to drive transformative change and a future where T1D no longer limits lives.

This support will focus on pioneering work across leading institutions, with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and global impact. By funding research that expands our understanding of the disease and opens new therapeutic pathways, our hope is to help unlock solutions that are both life-changing and lasting.

Initial funding is directed to two groundbreaking projects:

– At Diabetes UK, support is enabling a cutting-edge study at the University of Cambridge led by Dr. Kasra Bahadori. This research explores how common viral infections may trigger T1D in children with a genetic predisposition. The findings could inform entirely new strategies for prevention.

– At the Breakthrough T1D Barbara Dewey Cammett Center of Excellence in New England, investment is driving innovation in gene-edited, lab-grown insulin-producing cells. These next-generation islets could be transplanted into patients without the need for lifelong immunosuppression—making cell therapy cures safer and more accessible.

This work is part of a broader vision to accelerate the most promising ideas, support exceptional scientific talent, and bring meaningful progress to the millions of people living with T1D worldwide.

About Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the UK’s leading diabetes charity, and its vision is to create a world where diabetes can do no harm. For more than 90 years, Diabetes UK’s research has driven many of the biggest breakthroughs in diabetes care – improving millions of lives. The charity also drives change by influencing policy and the NHS, as well as raising awareness and combatting misconceptions about diabetes.

About Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF)

As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organisation, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. Breakthrough T1D does this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.