Lilly and Disney Publishing expand diabetes education scheme

Lilly is expanding a collaboration with Disney Publishing Worldwide that aims to deliver thoughtful educational resources to families affected by diabetes.

Based on the success of the partnership in the US since 2011, the organisations will be making various materials available in 18 countries, including a series of custom books co-created by Lilly Diabetes and Disney for children with type 1 diabetes.

These resources – which feature characters such as Mickey Mouse and the specially-created diabetic monkey Coco – help youngsters to come to terms with the challenges they will face, with an emphasis on what they can achieve in life, rather than what they cannot.

The books will be translated into several languages and made available through diabetes healthcare professionals.

Andrew Hodge, international vice-president at Lilly Diabetes, said: "We saw the positive impact our collaboration … had on families living with type 1 diabetes in the US over the last two years and we are excited to expand our reach globally."

Last month, the company announced positive data from two phase III trials that further underlined the potential benefits of dulaglutide, its developmental therapy for type 2 diabetes.