Researchers at Finland's Tampere University have identified a set of viruses they believe to be responsible for Type 1 diabetes, and they have formulated a vaccine for it that has had promising results in mice. The enterovirus in question attacks the pancreas, and is similar to the virus that causes polio. They're forming a research syndicate to raise the €700m needed for human trials.
Researchers have looked at more than a hundred different strains of the virus and pinpointed five that could cause diabetes. They believe they could produce a vaccine against those strains.
"We have identified one virus type that carries the biggest risk," said professor Heikki Hyöty. "A vaccine could also protect against its close relatives, to give the best possible effect."
Finnish team makes diabetes vaccine breakthrough
(via /.)
