Tadpol Research Study

Diabetes researchers are studying a drug known as difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) that may reduce stress in cells that make insulin and preserve the body’s own insulin production.

The Tadpol Study is currently seeking participants who were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes within the past 100 days. Researchers are trying to learn whether DFMO may be a useful treatment to improve beta cell health for persons with Type 1 Diabetes.

Join the study

Tadpol clinical research study logo

Can a pill make it easier to manage type 1 diabetes?

graphic that says "beta cell + DFMO = Natural insulin preserved"

The purpose of this study is to determine if an investigational drug known as DFMO has an effect on reducing the amount of stress that is experienced by the body’s beta cells (the cells that make insulin) and preserves residual c-peptide (the body’s own insulin production). An investigational drug means it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What to Expect

By asking participants to take DFMO or a placebo (looks the same as the study drug but with no active ingredients), we hope to be able to learn more about whether DFMO may be a useful treatment to improve beta cell health for persons with type 1 diabetes.


Participants in this study will receive:

  • A continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
  • 12 months of expert diabetes management by our team
  • Financial compensation


The study's duration is approximately 12 months. There are six in-person visits and one phone visit.

Tadpol study visit timeline

How to Enroll

Group photo of 5 children outdoors

The Tadpol Study will enroll 70 participants newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosis must have been made less than 100 days ago and participants must be between the ages of 6 and 40.

If you or your child are eligible and would like to enroll, please click within the study location closest to you for preferred details and contact information.

Thank you to our partners and participants!

The study is being conducted by Dr. Emily K. Sims and Dr. Linda A. DiMeglio at Indiana University School of Medicine in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology with support from the above-mentioned clinical research centers. It is funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). There is no cost for the study medication or study-related procedures, and participation is voluntary. If you would like to participate, please contact your nearest study location listed above or email tadpol@iupui.edu.