Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI) is pleased to announce that Dr. Diva DeLeon has been awarded a pilot grant in the amount of $60,000 to determine the efficacy of sirolimus in controlling hypoglycemia in infants with KATP hyperinsulinism (HI). The grant is awarded by the Orphan Disease Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
The funds for this grant were raised through the Million Dollar Bike Ride organized by The Orphan Disease Center last May. Led by Team Captain Leo Brown, CHI had a team of bike riders (the Raring to Go for CHI Team!) who rode their bikes in support of the fund. They also raised funds through sponsorships from friends, relatives, and colleagues. CHI also supported the effort by making a donation to the fund.
CHI is very excited about Dr. Deleon’s research because of the significant unmet need of patients with diffuse HI unresponsive to diazoxide. This study will help to determine the effectiveness of the medication and its safety, and will pave the way for a larger multi-center study.
CHI will take part in the 2015 Million Dollar Bike Ride in order to create a fund to support a research grant for another congenital hyperinsulinism study next year. Researchers from around the world may apply. This is a great opportunity for HI research. All of the funds raised go directly to research.
