Vale Professor Helen Thomas
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Professor Helen Thomas, an outstanding medical researcher whose work in type 1 diabetes made a significant impact. Helen founded Effica Biolabs, a St Vincent’s Institute service offering pre-clinical testing of new therapies for type 1 diabetes, as well as leading the preclinical activities of ATIC alongside sister Ranjeny Thomas.
What does ATIC do?
ATIC is working across six distinct interconnected Domains to ensure maximum impact and fulfil our bold vision.
Clinical trials
Drive the implementation of immunotherapy clinical trials throughout Australia and New Zealand
Community engagement
Work closely with the type 1 diabetes community across the research cycle, from trial development through recruitment to communication of...
Data management
Harmonise data collection and ensure linkage with national and international diabetes networks.
Education and training
Train, equip and update clinicians, scientists and the wider community on the fundamentals of immunotherapy, as well as the latest...
Preclinical and translation
Attract immunotherapy trials to Australasia through innovation: the discovery of improved biomarkers, development of new therapies, and facilitation of biosample...
Regulation and government
Advocate for regulatory approval and government funding of immunotherapy treatments for type 1 diabetes.
Baricitinib delays the progression of type 1 diabetes
In a world-first, ATIC researchers lead by Professor’s Thomas Kay and Helen Thomas have shown that baricitinib, an immunotherapy treatment commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis, can delay the progression of type 1 diabetes and preserve the body’s ability to make its own insulin.
Microbiota orchestrate protective and damaging T cell responses
March 2025
Seminar 23, Beyond Insulin Seminar Series – Professor Sammy Bedoui presents: ‘Microbiota orchestrate protective and damaging T cell responses’
Now Open – MT-101-101 trial for type 1 diabetes
March 2025
The MT-101-101 trial has now commenced and is seeking people age 18-45 years who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The trial will test the safety and dosing of a new disease-modifying treatment.
Composite Scores to Track Beta Cell Function – Lessons from Islet Cell Transplantation
February 2025
Seminar 22, Beyond Insulin Seminar Series – Professor Peter Senior presents ‘Composite Scores to Track Beta Cell Function – Lessons from Islet Cell Transplantation’
SAB-142-101 – New T1D clinical trial
February 2025
ATIC are supporting a new clinical trial seeking people aged 18-45 years who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes within the last 5 years. The SAB-142-101 trial will test a potential new ATG treatment for type 1 diabetes.
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