SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Sanford Health has picked Type 1 diabetes as the subject of a major research endeavor funded by a $400 million donation from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.

The research will focus on curing the disease, also known as pediatric diabetes, through the body's natural ability to regenerate beta cells. The hospital system also considered human papillomavirus, lupus and pediatric multiple sclerosis for the Sanford Project, which was established to resolve one of the most pressing current-day health issues.

Sanford officials, working with Ohio-based consulting firm Battelle Technology, talked to more than 60 experts from various disease advocacy and research groups during the past year before narrowing the 15 proposals down to four finalists.

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