GORDONSVILLE, VA - August 3, 2004 - Today, doctors are $250,000 closer to a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, thanks to the dedicated fundraising efforts of Paul and Diane Manning of the Islet Replacement Research Foundation.

The Mannings recently presented University of Virginia School of Medicine Dean Arthur Garson with a $250,000 check to continue the University's progressive efforts in developing a cure for the 1 million Americans with Type 1 Diabetes.

"The donation represents funds raised through gifts from individual and corporate donors, special giving programs and events, including a slim-a-thon, walk-a-thons, Seabiscuit movie premier, golf tournament and charity horse show," the Mannings said.

The Islet Replacement Research Foundation's goal is to fund dedicated scientists who support ambitious research projects to find a cure for diabetes. This most recent donation continues the University's trend of promoting novel applied research programs and pioneering innovative approaches that will change the way diabetes will be cured.

Two years ago, the UVa Health System created the Center for Cellular Transplantation and Therapeutics with the goal of establishing the first human islet cell transplantation program in the state. Healthy islets, small islands of pancreatic cells that include the insulin-producing beta cells, protect patients from devastating low blood sugar episodes and eliminate the need for daily insulin injections, glucose testing and dietary restrictions. Two months ago, the center's first islet cell transplantation took place and represents a major milestone in finding a cure for diabetes.

With vigorous transplantation programs backed by innovative research initiatives, IRRF envisions a world without diabetes. And while doctors aggressively work toward stamping out the need for potentially toxic immunosuppressive drug treatments, more help is needed.

"While the federal government has committed some funding to the research, both private and corporate support is vital to accelerate research from the laboratory into clinically useful treatments," Paul Manning explained.