Integrated Nanotherapeutics (INT) has secured funding from research and advocacy organisation Breakthrough T1D to propel the development of an therapeutic for Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The initiative is part of the Industry Discovery and Development Partnership (IDDP) programme, which supports new T1D research.

The collaboration will leverage INT's technology platform, utilising multi-cargo lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver a combination of mRNA-encoded antigens and immune-modifying small molecules.

The objective of this approach is to reprogramme the immune system to recognise and spare the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, which are mistakenly targeted in T1D.

T1D occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks the beta cells that produce insulin, leading to insulin deficiency.

INT's therapeutic strategy, known as “tolerisation,” aims to preserve the remaining beta cells and halt disease progression by co-delivering beta cell self-antigens with molecules that foster immune protection.

The approach minimises patient burden by reducing the frequency of treatment administration and eliminating the need for continuous immune suppression.

Integrated Nanotherapeutics co-founder and CEO Dr Chris Tam stated: "We are excited to collaborate with Breakthrough T1D, whose expertise and network in the diabetes field are invaluable to our mission.

"The funding and support from Breakthrough T1D will accelerate the pre-clinical development of our tolerising therapeutic, bringing us closer to a treatment that could transform the lives of millions of people living with T1D."

Breakthrough T1D research director Dr Joshua Vieth stated: “We are excited to support INT on this project and look forward to working with them as they develop this innovative technology.

“Approaches that enhance the natural regulatory mechanisms of the immune system by promoting tolerance are a critical part of our strategy to develop therapies that provide sustained immune rebalancing and next-generation therapies for T1D.”