Professor David Matthews has handed over the reigns of diabetes research theme leader (Oxford Biomedical Research Centre – OxBRC) to Dr Fredrik Karpe, Reader in Metabolic Medicine, Wellcome Trust Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Physician.
In 2007 Dr Karpe initiated the Oxford Biobank for prospective genetic epidemiological research. The aim is to study human lipid and carbohydrate metabolism to understand the complications of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The OxBRC funded Diabetes research theme aims to:
- undertake proof of concept studies of novel therapies in populations defined by newly emerging biomarkers
- develop and optimise islet cell transplantation protocols
- progress telemedicine in self-management of diabetes.
In taking on the role of research theme leader for Diabetes, Dr Karpe said: “Oxford has a unique position in this area; it has been the hub for major breakthroughs in the discovery of the genetic background to type 2 diabetes and we have excellent patient cohorts. The OxBRC provides the link between the two to translational medicine in the Diabetes area with the aim to find improved diagnostic and treatments strategies for patients.”