Dr. Speake works with the Experimental Medicine Unit (EMU) at BRI to understand the biology behind experimental therapies. Most of these studies focus on type 1 diabetes (T1D). Some of the research projects our group has investigated in collaboration with the EMU include:
- Siltuximab and Tocilizumab in T1D
- AIRmax as a measure of functional beta cell mass in at-risk individuals for T1D
- Defining early markers of response to Abatacept in new onset T1D
- Kinetics of immune cell turnover
- Longitudinal evaluation of immune biomarkers in T1D, T2D
Additional Research Projects
Collaborations with Industry Partners to test new T1D therapies
The Center for Interventional Immunology collaborates with industry partners to test new T1D therapeutics, often involving multi-site phase 2 and phase 3 randomized clinical trials with the goal of understanding the efficacy of new therapies.
Rigor and Reproducibility in T1D Biomarker Research
Many potential biomarkers have been suggested in T1D, but translating them from discovery efforts to utility in clinical settings has been a challenge. We focus on applying techniques to improve study design, data analysis, and technical reproducibility of assays.
The Sound Life Project
The Sound Life Project is an investigation of the immune systems of adults without chronic diseases. Understanding the immune system in this context can help us understand why healthy people respond differently to vaccinations or infections.
Understanding Progression of T1D
Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet provides rich data about people at risk for T1D. We analyze this data to help understand T1D risk, to better understand the process of T1D progression, and to help inform decisions around monitoring schedules for at risk patients.
TrialNet clinical trials in those at risk of type 1 diabetes
We are deeply engaged in TrialNet studies and science, including our ongoing Pathway to Prevention trial that screens family member of T1D patients for T1D risk and the successful Teplizumab Prevention Trial.
