Sugar Pulse Research Centre
Approved by Oleg Pogozhev and Bulat Valitov
Programme period 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028
Version 1.0 dated 21 September 2026
1 Purpose and programme outcome
We are establishing the SP Science research programme for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Over two years, the centre will move from assessing the global research landscape and selecting a priority question to a pilot, independent replication of the key result and an evidence-based decision on further work.
The first analytical output is the global research map of potential therapies and pathways towards a T1D cure. It provides a common basis for researcher consultations, comparison of proposals and selection of work feasible with available partners and resources.
This plan approves the organisational sequence and indicative funding framework. Specific hypotheses, protocols, sites and detailed budgets are approved separately as evidence and funding become available. Success means a reliable scientific answer that supports the next decision, including stopping an unsupported hypothesis.
2 The first three months
October 2026 information gathering and organisation
We update the evidence base of primary sources, trial registries and publications covering cell technologies, immune protection, and preservation and restoration of beta cell function. Each approach is recorded by target population, development stage, result, limitations and unresolved question. The global map becomes the baseline of a regularly updated research register.
We collect proposals from colleagues, including work proposed by Bulat Valitov and Baidus, and assess opportunities to continue earlier research. Assessment requires a hypothesis description, publications, protocols, raw data, independent repeats, negative findings, material availability and conditions for using existing developments. Considering a proposal does not establish its efficacy.
Monthly output: a structured register of directions and proposals, evidence gaps, potential researchers and sites, and assigned organisational responsibilities.
November 2026 consultations and feasibility assessment
We consult researchers already active in the selected fields and relevant experts. We identify unresolved questions and where the centre can contribute a testable result. Continuing colleagues’ proposed work is compared with alternative questions identified in the global map.
We prepare short dossiers for two or three of the most mature hypotheses. We assess reproducibility, model and material access, intellectual rights, expertise, timing, cost and the scientific value of the next test. Where alternatives are available, we request terms from two or three suitable sites.
Monthly output: consultation records, a comparative assessment of candidates, provider proposals, preliminary budgets and conditions required for launch.
December 2026 priorities and the financial plan
We select one primary project and one reserve project. Bulat Valitov prepares the scientific recommendation with methodological and external expert input; we jointly approve scope, budget and external commitments. If evidence or resources are inadequate, preparation continues without a premature pilot launch.
We develop a project dossier, initial protocol and analysis plan, continuation and stopping criteria, team list and schedule. We prepare a detailed first-stage budget, a 24-month financial model and a rolling 90-day cash-flow forecast.
We prepare materials for partners, grant programmes and philanthropic supporters. Fundraising starts alongside scientific selection from the beginning of the programme. Verbal interest is recorded separately from confirmed funds and documented contributions in kind.
Quarterly output: the research map, primary and reserve projects, agreed responsibilities, a site and material-access plan, financial plan and readiness decision for the next stage.
3 Research priorities and the operating model
The scientific core is restoration of an adequate mass of functional insulin-producing cells with safe protection from immune destruction. Preservation of residual secretion is assessed separately for early T1D. Cell replacement and cell preservation address different needs and must be evaluated in the appropriate populations.
Potential research niches include local immune protection, islet viability and oxygen supply, cellular stress, model standardisation, response biomarkers and reproducible analysis of open data. These are selection areas, not products already chosen for development.
We start with a small permanent team and partner-site research. The reserve project receives limited preparatory support. A dedicated laboratory and major equipment are considered only after confirming need, utilisation, full ownership costs and funding.
The project dossier covers the hypothesis, target population, existing evidence, model, primary outcome, controls, replication and analysis plans, resources, material and result rights, risks, schedule and decision criteria. Methodology is agreed before data collection starts.
4 Stages over two years
| Period | Main work | Output and progression condition |
|---|---|---|
| October to December 2026 | Global landscape, colleagues’ proposals, consultations, priorities, partners, financial planning and fundraising | Primary and reserve projects, documented feasibility and funding for the next stage |
| January to March 2027 | Protocol and analysis refinement, method verification, site agreements, required approvals, materials and data storage | A ready method, team, resource access and funding for the first cycle |
| April to June 2027 | Laboratory pilot or analysis of existing data, quality control and monthly spending review | Interim report and a decision to continue, revise or stop |
| July to September 2027 | Key-result replication in an independent series; another operator or site where feasible; external scientific assessment | Reproducibility and limitations assessment; a decision on year two |
| October to December 2027 | Portfolio review, partner and budget refinement, year-two funding applications | Approved year-two route and funding for its first stage |
| January to March 2028 | Extended validation; subtype or response-marker analysis if supported by data; formal collaborations | Interim data package for external review |
| April to June 2028 | Joint analyses and additional series within the protocol, international scientific discussions | Agreed conclusions and a prepared research report or manuscript |
| July to September 2028 | Database closure, data and expenditure audit, final review, public reporting and the next programme | Decision to continue, change or close the route; 2029 programme and budget |
Dates are targets. Progression depends on evidence, methods, approvals and resources. If a stage is delayed, the schedule and budget are revised; scientific conclusions are not adjusted to meet a date.
5 Team and governance
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Bulat Valitov Scientific Director | Research priorities, hypotheses, protocols, investigator requirements, data interpretation and conclusions |
| Oleg Pogozhev Administrative Director | Funding, partners, contracts, budget, organisational conditions and external commitments |
| Research coordinator | Schedule, tasks, provider liaison, decision register and reporting |
| Methodologist biostatistician and data specialist | Study design, analysis plan, justification of sample size or repeats, quality and reproducibility |
| Researcher and partner-site team | Execution, laboratory records, quality control and raw-data transfer |
| Legal and financial support | Contracts, intellectual rights, data, applicable requirements, accounting and spending control |
| External experts | Independent assessment during selection and at decision points |
Roles may be combined or contracted for individual stages. Effort and remuneration are determined by the work required. We review tasks every two weeks, budget and risks monthly, and document a decision after each stage. Oleg Pogozhev and Bulat Valitov jointly approve projects, material changes and external commitments. Scientific conclusions remain independent of funders’ interests.
Before work starts, we identify the legal operator, country and site, data custodian and rights to existing developments and new results. Access to third-party materials and data is agreed contractually; authorship and publication rules are established in advance.
6 Indicative budget
The target framework is approximately US$831,379 per year and US$1,662,758 over two years. It describes planned fundraising and allocation, not funding already secured. Detailed budgets depend on the selected protocol, provider quotations, taxes, logistics and payment currency.
Currency basis: the Bank of Russia official rate dated 19 September 2026, the latest published rate available on 21 September 2026, is RUB 84.1975 per US dollar. Amounts are converted from the ruble planning budget and rounded to whole US dollars. Small rounding differences are absorbed in the reserve; two-year totals are the sum of the displayed annual amounts. Exchange movements and payment costs are reviewed when each stage is funded.
Exchange-rate source: https://cbr.ru/currency_base/dynamics/?UniDbQuery.Posted=True&UniDbQuery.VAL_NM_RQ=R01235&UniDbQuery.mode=1
| Cost category | Year 1 USD | Year 2 USD |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific leadership and research team | 199,531 | 216,158 |
| Coordination and administration | 49,883 | 49,883 |
| Methodology statistics and data | 49,883 | 49,883 |
| Partner laboratory and infrastructure access | 182,903 | 182,903 |
| Materials reagents and sample logistics | 99,765 | 116,393 |
| Replication and external review | 49,883 | 66,510 |
| Legal ethical and intellectual property matters | 33,255 | 33,255 |
| Software storage and publications | 33,255 | 33,255 |
| Education community and focus groups | 24,941 | 24,941 |
| International links and working travel | 24,941 | 24,941 |
| Unallocated reserve | 83,139 | 33,257 |
| Total | 831,379 | 831,379 |
The planning model assumes a Sugar Pulse contribution of approximately 10%: approximately US$83,138 annually or US$166,276 over two years. The external fundraising target is approximately US$748,241 annually or US$1,496,482 over two years. The actual internal contribution requires separate confirmation. Cash and partner contributions of equipment, staff time or facility access are recorded separately.
The budget tracks both commitments and payments. The reserve is not spent automatically. New stages begin after full coverage of the agreed scope is confirmed; if funding is insufficient, we reduce scope, defer the stage or use a scientifically justified analytical route.
7 Fundraising and partnerships
During October and November 2026, we build a list of 25–40 potential partners, research organisations, grant programmes and philanthropic supporters. Each entry records scientific fit, possible contribution, conditions, decision timing and the next step. During November and December, we prepare tailored proposals and begin substantive discussions.
The package includes the problem and hypothesis, team, project dossier, expected stage-specific output, budget, schedule, internal contribution, data-access conditions and result ownership. It explains scientific limitations and reporting arrangements without promising a positive outcome.
From January to September 2027, we submit targeted applications and arrange staged co-funding. From July to December 2027, we secure the opening stages of year two using the evidence and external assessment obtained. In 2028, we prepare the next funding round and the 2029 programme. Funding does not confer a right to alter scientific conclusions.
8 Milestones and public work
By 31 December 2026: a direction and proposal register, consultation findings, primary and reserve projects, financial plan and partner package. By 31 March 2027: protocol, analysis plan, agreements, resources and a pilot-readiness decision. By 30 June 2027: an interim report. By 30 September 2027: replication and external review.
By 31 December 2027: the year-two route and funding for its first stage. By 30 June 2028: a target of one or two formal external collaborations or joint research routes. By 30 September 2028: final scientific and financial reports, data and documentation, a publication package where evidence is sufficient, and the next programme.
We maintain a bilingual library of documents and research explanations. Communication targets are a monthly scientific digest, a quarterly webinar or roundtable, and six to ten expert conversations per year. Reporting distinguishes hypotheses, preliminary data and confirmed findings; negative results are recognised alongside positive ones.
9 Risks and conditions for research
Principal risks are premature hypothesis selection, unavailable sites or materials, lack of reproducibility, team overload and funding shortfalls. Controls include comparative selection, limited stages, a reserve route, planned replication, coordination and a rolling 90-day financial forecast.
Work involving people, identifiable data or biological materials requires a separate protocol and the necessary ethical decisions, consents and permissions. The Sugar Pulse audience and user data do not automatically become a research resource. Participant recruitment and entry into clinical trials are not commitments under this plan.
The programme does not promise a T1D cure within two years. Its intended result is a validated research question, reproducible evidence, scientific partnerships and a substantiated basis for the next stage.
10 Related documents and plan revision
The SP Science Global Research Map of Potential Therapies and Pathways Towards a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes, version 1.0, with an evidence cut-off of 20 September 2026, supports selection and review of priorities.
The plan is reviewed at decision points and when evidence, site access or funding changes materially. Revisions receive a version number and date; individual project and budget decisions are documented separately. The organisational foundation continues the earlier first-year programme and two-year SP Science framework.