ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Research Foundation today announced a $1.5 million commitment by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to support its Distinguished Clinical Scientist Award (DCSA) -- the ADA’s most prestigious research award aimed specifically at clinical programs. The award is the largest annual award given by the ADA and recognizes outstanding scientists who have advanced the field of patient-oriented diabetes research.
“Exploring cutting-edge research that can be translated into the realm of patient care is crucial to advancing our understanding of current and potential treatments or a possible cure for diabetes,” said Don Wagner, chair, ADA Research Foundation. “We are grateful to Amylin Pharmaceuticals for their commitment to diabetes and to this important program that will further the ADA’s mission.”
Clinical research -- research that utilizes the knowledge gained in the lab and provides improved care for diabetes patients -- is of critical importance to the future of diabetes research. The ADA provides several types of awards to support investigators in this area, the most prominent being the Distinguished Clinical Scientist Award. This award currently provides flexible funding for five established full-time researchers that have been selected by ADA’s peer-reviewed panel and are expected to be at the forefront in leading areas of clinical research in the years ahead. Amylin will support the DCSA through 3 years of funding at $500,000 each year as part of their sponsorship commitment.
“Translating basic science into beneficial clinical outcomes is critical. This enables people with diabetes to live longer and healthier lives,” said Daniel Bradbury, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “We are pleased to collaborate with the ADA to enable the advancement of science towards this common goal.”
Diabetes is one of this nation’s most prevalent, debilitating, deadly and costly diseases, affecting nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States. One in three Americans -- and one in two minorities -- born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cost of diabetes in America in 2002 was more than $132 billion.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. The Association’s commitment to research is reflected through its scientific meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which fund breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications. For more information, please visit http://www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
About Amylin Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Amylin Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines. Amylin has developed and gained approval for two first- in-class medicines for diabetes, SYMLIN(R) (pramlintide acetate) injection and BYETTA(R) (exenatide) injection. Amylin’s research and development activities leverage the company’s expertise in metabolism to develop potential therapies to treat diabetes and obesity. Amylin is located in San Diego, California, with over 1,600 employees nationwide. Further information on Amylin Pharmaceuticals is available at http://www.amylin.com.
About Amylin’s Community Outreach Philosophy
At Amylin, we are committed to strengthening the communities where we live and work through participation and leadership in charitable, educational, civic, cultural and service initiatives. Amylin’s activities focus on key areas that utilize our expertise and technology. These include diabetes and obesity awareness, educational initiatives that support students interested in careers in the biotechnology industry, and projects or events that promote healthy lifestyles. In addition to Amylin’s involvement as a company, many of Amylin’s employees volunteer to support local events and initiatives.
American Diabetes Association
CONTACT: Rachel Morgan of American Diabetes Association, +1-703-549-1500ext. 2290
