​Principal Investigator: Dr. Alan Hutchison

Disease: Post-transplant diabetes​

Research Description: Organ transplantation can be lifesaving for those suffering from organ failure, but patients are at risk of developing new onset diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes. This is caused by the high doses of immunosuppressive medication needed in the first 3 months post-transplant, and there are no approved therapies to prevent its occurrence. The chemotherapy drug difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), approved for neuroblastoma treatment in children, has been shown to delay progression of non-transplant related type 1 diabetes. This two-stage trial is first testing if DFMO is safe and well-tolerated by patients shortly after kidney transplant, followed by a double blinded, randomized controlled trial testing if DFMO can subsequently preserve the body’s ability to process sugar. If successful, this treatment could serve as a preventative approach for post-transplant diabetes.

Funding Partners: The Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust

Initial CWR Funding Role: Primary