The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Ki...

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Mission

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. The Institute supports much of the clinical research on the diseases of internal medicine and related subspecialty fields, as well as many basic science disciplines.

The Institute's Division of Intramural Research encompasses the broad spectrum of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, inborn errors of metabolism, endocrine disorders, mineral metabolism, digestive and liver diseases, nutrition, urology and renal disease, and hematology. Basic research studies include biochemistry, biophysics, nutrition, pathology, histochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical and molecular biology, and pharmacology.

NIDDK extramural research is organized into 4 divisions: Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases; Digestive Diseases and Nutrition; Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases; and Extramural Activities.

The Institute supports basic and clinical research through investigator-initiated grants, program project and center grants, and career development and training awards. The Institute also supports research and development projects and large-scale clinical trials through contracts.

Important Events in NIDDK History
August 15, 1950ÛPresident Harry S. Truman signed the Omnibus Medical Research Act into law establishing the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases (NIAMD) in the U.S. Public Health Service. The new Institute incorporated the laboratories of the Experimental Biology and Medicine Institute and expanded to include clinical investigation in rheumatic diseases, diabetes, and a number of metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal diseases.

November 15, 1950ÛThe National Advisory Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases Council held its first meeting and recommended approval of NIAMD's first grants.

November 22, 1950ÛU.S. Surgeon General Leonard Scheele established NIAMD.

1959ÛDr. Arthur Kornberg, former chief of the Institute's enzyme and metabolism section, won the Nobel Prize for synthesizing nucleic acid.

The Institute initiated an intramural research program in gastroenterology and launched an intramural research program in cystic fibrosis with the establishment of the Pediatric Metabolism Branch.

1961ÛLaboratory-equipped, mobile trailer units began an epidemiological study of arthritis among the Blackfeet and Pima Indians in Montana and Arizona, respectively.

October 16, 1969ÛThe Nobel Prize was awarded to Dr. Marshall W. Nirenberg of the National Heart Institute, who reported his celebrated partial cracking of the genetic code while an NIAMD scientist (1957-1962).

November 1970ÛThe Institute celebrated its 20th anniversary. U.S. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird addressed leaders in the department, representatives from voluntary health agencies and professional biomedical associations, as well as past and present Institute National Advisory Council members.

May 19, 1972ÛThe Institute name was changed to the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases.

October 1972ÛChristian B. Anfinsen, chief of the Institute's Laboratory of Chemical Biology, shared a Nobel Prize with 2 other American scientists for his demonstration of one of the most important simplifying concepts of molecular biology, that the 3-dimensional conformation of a native protein is determined by the chemistry of its amino acid sequence. A significant part of this research cited by the award was performed while with NIH.

September 1973ÛThe Institute's diabetes centers program was initiated with the establishment of the first Diabetes-Endocrinology Research Centers.

November 1975ÛAfter 9 months of investigation into the epidemiology and nature of diabetes mellitus and public hearings throughout the United States, the National Commission on Diabetes delivered its report, the Long-Range Plan to Combat Diabetes, to Congress. Recommendations encompassed expansion and coordination of diabetes and related research programs; creation of a diabetes research and training centers program; acceleration of efforts in diabetes health care, education, and control programs; and establishment of a National Diabetes Advisory Board.

April 1976ÛAfter a year of study and public hearings, the National Commission on Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases issued The Arthritis PlanÛits report to Congress. The report called for increased arthritis research and training programs, multipurpose arthritis centers, epidemiologic studies and data systems in arthritis, a National Arthritis Information Service, and a National Arthritis Advisory Board.

October 1976ÛDr. Baruch Blumberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for research on the hepatitis B virus protein, the "Australia antigen," which he discovered in 1963 while at the Institute. This advance has proven to be a scientific and clinical landmark in detection and control of viral hepatitis and led to the development of preventive measures against hepatitis and liver cancer.

April 19, 1977ÛThe NIH Director established a trans-NIH program for diabetes, with lead responsibility in NIAMDD.

September 1977ÛOver $5 million in grants was awarded to 5 institutions to establish Diabetes Research and Training Centers.

October 1977ÛIn response to the recommendation of the National Commission on Diabetes, the National Diabetes Data Group was established within the Institute to collect, analyze, and disseminate data on this disorder to scientific and public health policy and planning associations.

December 1977ÛInstitute grantees Dr. Roger C.L. Guillemin and Dr. Andrew V. Shally shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with a third scientist, Dr. Rosalyn S. Yalow. Guillemin and Shally's prizes were for discoveries related to the brain's production of peptide hormones.

December 1978ÛA study of cystic fibrosis focused on the need for future research activities, including increased support for clinical and basic research, expansion of specialized cystic fibrosis research resources, emphasis on training of scientific personnel, and coordination of public and private cystic fibrosis research activities.

January 1979ÛFollowing 2 years of study and public hearings, the National Commission on Digestive Diseases issued its report, The National Long-Range Plan to Combat Digestive Diseases. Recommendations to Congress included the establishment of a National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board, an information clearinghouse, and increased emphasis on educational programs in digestive diseases in medical schools.

December 1979ÛA task force completed its study and submitted the report, An Evaluation of Research Needs in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases.

September 1980ÛDr. Joseph E. Rall, director of NIAMDD intramural research, became the first person at NIH to be named to the distinguished executive rank in the Senior Executive Service. President Jimmy Carter presented the award in ceremonies at the White House on September 9.

October 15, 1980ÛNIAMDD celebrated its 30th anniversary with a symposium, "DNA, the Cell Nucleus, and Genetic Disease," and dinner at the National Naval Medical Center. Dr. Donald W. Seldin, chairman of the department of internal medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, was guest speaker.

June 23, 1981ÛThe Institute was renamed National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

April 1982ÛU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Richard S. Schweiker elevated NIADDK's programs to division status, creating 5 extramural divisions and the Division of Intramural Research.

November 1982ÛDr. Elizabeth Neufeld received a Lasker Foundation Award. She is cited, along with Dr. Roscoe E. Brady of NINCDS, for "significant and unique contributions to the fundamental understanding and diagnosis of a group of inherited diseases called mucopolysaccharide storage disorders (MPS)."

November 1984ÛGrants totaling more than $4 million were awarded to 6 institutions to establish Silvio O. Conte Digestive Disease Research Centers. The research centers investigate the underlying causes, diagnoses, treatments, and prevention of digestive diseases.

April 8, 1986ÛThe Institute's Division of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases became the core of the new National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The NIADDK was renamed the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

June 3, 1986ÛThe National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Advisory Board was established to formulate the long-range plan to combat kidney and urologic diseases.

August 1, 1987ÛSix institutions were funded to establish the George M. O'Brien Kidney and Urological Research Centers.

December 25, 1987ÛIn response to congressional language on the FY 1988 appropriation for the NIDDK, the institute established a program of cystic fibrosis research centers.

September 16, 1990ÛNIDDK celebrated its 40th anniversary. Dr. Daniel E. Koshland, Jr., editor of Science, was guest speaker.

June, 1991ÛThe NIDDK Advisory Council established the National Task Force on the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity to synthesize current science on the prevention and treatment of obesity and to develop statements about topics of clinical importance that are based on critical analyses of the literature.

September 30, 1992ÛThree Obesity/Nutrition Research Centers and an animal models core to breed genetically obese rats for obesity and diabetes research were established.

October 12, 1992ÛDrs. Edwin G. Krebs and Edmond H. Fischer were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on "reversible protein phosphorylation." They have received grant support from NIDDK since 1955 and 1956, respectively.

October 30, 1992ÛIn response to congressional language on the Institute's FY 1993 appropriation, the NIDDK initiated a program to establish gene therapy research centers with emphasis on cystic fibrosis.

November 1, 1993ÛThe functions of the NIH Division of Nutrition Research Coordination, including those of the NIH Nutrition Coordinating Committee, were transferred to NIDDK.

October 10, 1994ÛDr. Martin Rodbell and Dr. Alfred G. Gilman received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering G-proteins, a key component in the signaling system that regulates cellular activity. Dr. Rodbell discovered the signal transmission function of GTP while a researcher in the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, now NIDDK.

June 22, 1997ÛLed by NIDDK, NIH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announce the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting in Boston. The NDEP's goals are to reduce the rising prevalence of diabetes, the morbidity and mortality of the disease, and its complications.

June 2000ÛIn an effort to reduce the disproportionate burden of many diseases in minority populations, NIDDK initiated an Office of Minority Health Research Coordination.

November 16, 2000ÛNIDDK celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Professional societies in 8 U.S. locations and Canada sponsored scientific symposia and hosted an NIDDK exhibit. "A New Century of Science. A New Era of Hope" was published to highlight research supported and conducted by NIDDK and concluded the year with a joint scientific symposium at the Society for Cell Biology's 40th Anniversary meeting in December.

June 13, 2003ÛTo avoid confusion with the newly-established NIH Obesity Research Task Force, NIDDK changed the name of its National Task Force on Prevention and Treatment of Obesity, established in 1991, to the Clinical Obesity Research Panel (CORP).

June 2003ÛThe Report on Progress and Opportunities: Special Statutory Funding for Type 1 Diabetes Research described recent achievements and major projects that address unmet research needs in type 1 diabetes. From fiscal year 1998 through fiscal year 2008, the special funding program provides a total of $1.14 billion in research funds to supplement other funds for type 1 diabetes research provided through the regular appropriations process.

NIDDK Legislative Chronology
December 11, 1947ÛUnder section 202 of Public Law 78-410, the Experimental Biology and Medicine Institute was established.

August 15, 1950ÛP.L. 81-692, the Omnibus Medical Research Act, authorized establishment of NIAMDD to "... conduct researches relating to the cause, prevention, and methods of diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and rheumatism and other metabolic diseases, to assist and foster such researches and other activities by public and private agencies, and promote the coordination of all such researches, and to provide training in matters relating to such diseases...." Section 431 also authorized the U.S. Surgeon General to establish a national advisory council.

May 19, 1972ÛPresident Richard M. Nixon signed P.L. 92-305 to bring renewed emphasis to research in digestive diseases by changing the name of the Institute to NIAMDD and by designating a digestive diseases committee within the Institute's National Advisory Council.

August 29, 1972ÛThe National Cooley's Anemia Control Act (PL 92-414) authorized research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this debilitating inherited disease, also known as thalassemia, occurring largely in populations of Mediterranean and Southeastern Asian origin.

July 23, 1974ÛP.L. 93-354, the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act, was signed. The National Commission on Diabetes, called for by this act, was chartered on September 17, 1974. Members were appointed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) . The Act called for centers for research and training in diabetes and establishment of an intergovernmental diabetes coordinating committee, including NIAMDD and 6 other NIH institutes.

January 1975ÛThe National Arthritis Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-640) was signed into law to further research, education, and training in the field of the connective tissue diseases. The HEW Secretary appointed the mandated National Commission on Arthritis and Related Musculoskeletal Diseases, June 2. The Act required centers for research and training in arthritis and rheumatic diseases and the establishment of a data bank, as well as an overall plan to investigate the epidemiology, etiology, control, and prevention of these disorders.

October 1976ÛP.L. 94-562, the Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases Amendments of 1976, established the National Diabetes Advisory Board charged with advising Congress and the HEW Secretary on implementation of the "Long-Range Plan to Combat Diabetes," developed by the National Commission on Diabetes. The law also established the National Commission on Digestive Diseases to deal with many problems, including investigation into the incidence, duration, mortality rates, and social and economic impact of digestive diseases.

The National Arthritis Advisory Board, established by the same law, reviews and evaluates the implementation of the Arthritis Plan, formulated by the Arthritis Act of 1974. The board advises Congress, the HHS Secretary, and heads of Federal agencies with respect to the plan and other Federal programs relating to arthritis.

December 1980ÛTitle II of the Health Programs Extension Act of 1980, P.L. 96-538, changed the Institute's name to the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The Act also established the National Digestive Diseases Advisory Board. The law authorized the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, the Diabetes Data Group, and the National Digestive Diseases Information and Education Clearinghouse. In addition, it reauthorized advisory boards for arthritis and diabetes research.

November 20, 1985ÛThe Health Research Extension Act of 1985, P.L. 99-158, changed the Institute name to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The act also established the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Advisory Board. The law gave parallel special authorities to all Institute operating divisions, including authorization of the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; National Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases Coordinating Committee; National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Data System; National Digestive Diseases Data System; kidney and urologic diseases research centers; and digestive diseases research centers.

June 10, 1993ÛThe NIH Revitalization Act of 1993, P.L. 103-43, established NIDDK as the lead institute in nutritional disorders and obesity, including the formation of a research and training centers program on nutritional disorders and obesity.

It also provided for the directors of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Dental Research, and the NIDDK to expand and intensify programs with respect to research and related activities concerning osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and related bone disorders.

July 25, 1997ÛA House report accompanying H.R. 2264 and Senate report with S. 1061, FY 1998 appropriations bills for Labor/HHS/Education, urged NIH and NIDDK to establish a diabetes research working group to develop a comprehensive plan for NIH-funded diabetes research that would recommend future initiatives and directions. Dr. C. Ronald Kahn, diabetes research working group chairman, presented "Conquering Diabetes, A Strategic Plan for the 21st Century" to the Congress on March 23, 1999.

August 1997ÛThe Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33) established a Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research . The program provided $30 million per year for fiscal years 1998 through 2002. This funding program augmented regularly appropriated funds that HHS received for diabetes research through the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Committees. The NIDDK, through authority granted by the HHS Secretary, has a leadership role in planning, implementing, and evaluating the allocation of these funds.

October 17, 2000ÛThe "Children's Health Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-310) amended the Public Health Service Act with respect to children's health. Title IV, entitled "Reducing Burden of Diabetes Among Children and Youth," section 402, specified that NIH conduct long-term epidemiology studies, support regional clinical research centers, and provide a national prevention effort relative to type 1 diabetes.

December 2000ÛThe Fiscal Year 2001 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 106-554) extended and augmented the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research in amount and time, allocating an additional $70 million for Fiscal Year 2001 (for a total of $100 million for Fiscal Year 2001), an additional $70 million for Fiscal Year 2002 (for a total of $100 million for Fiscal Year 2002), and $100 million for Fiscal Year 2003.

October 2002ÛNIH issued a detailed progress report, Conquering Diabetes: Highlights of Program Efforts, Research Advances, and Opportunities, on NIH-funded diabetes research. The report describes research achievements and initiatives since 1999, when the Diabetes Research Working Group published its 5-year plan. The Congressionally established Group made scientific recommendations in 5 areas of extraordinary research opportunity: the genetics of diabetes, autoimmunity and the beta cell, cell signaling and cell regulation, obesity, and clinical research and clinical trials. The Group also made recommendations regarding the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes, the special populations most affected by diabetes, and resource and infrastructure needs to further diabetes research.

December 17, 2002ÛPresident Bush signed into law H.R. 5738, a bill that will increase and extend funding for the Special Diabetes Program (formerly P.L. 105-33). The bill provides $750 million for type 1 diabetes research over a period of 5 years (FY 04-FY 08).

December 2002ÛThe Public Health Service Act Amendment for Diabetes (P.L. 107-360) extended and augmented the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes Research in time and amount, allocating $150 million per year for fiscal years 2004 through 2008.

December 8, 2003ÛThe Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173). Title VII, Subtitle D, Section 733 of this law, entitled "Payment for pancreatic islet cell investigational transplants for Medicare beneficiaries in clinical trials," specifies that the Secretary, acting through NIDDK, conduct a pancreatic islet transplantation clinical trial that includes Medicare beneficiaries, and that Medicare cover the routine costs, the transplantation, and appropriate related items and services for the Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the trial.

October 25, 2004ÛThe Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation Act of 2004(P.L. 108-362) amended the Public Health Service Act for the purposes of increasing the supply of pancreatic islet cells for research, and providing for better coordination of Federal efforts and information on islet cell transplantation. A provision of this law specified that the annual reports prepared by the Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee, which is led by the NIDDK, include an assessment of the Federal activities and programs related to pancreatic islet transplantation.

September 2004ÛThe reports accompanying the FY 2005 Senate and House Labor, HHS, Education appropriations bills (reports 108-345 and 108-636, respectively) called on the NIH and HHS to establish a national commission on digestive diseases to review the burden of digestive diseases in the United States and develop a long-range research plan to address this burden. The NIH Director subsequently established the National Commission on Digestive Diseases, under NIDDK leadership, in August 2005. Commission activities included public meetings, review of a report by the Digestive Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee on the burden of digestive diseases in the United States, and the development of a Long-Range Plan for Digestive Diseases Research.