ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) research program recently awarded Keyong Du, PhD, of Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, a Thomas R. Lee Career Development Award for the study of a novel protein, Aclip, and its role in glucose uptake by fat cells in type 2 diabetes. This premier award supports investigators who are establishing their independence and are poised to make significant contributions to diabetes research. At the time of the award, an applicant must be an assistant professor and have clear institutional commitment. The funding, totaling $899,000, began July 1, 2004 and continues through June 30, 2009.
The American Diabetes Association funds research aimed at preventing and curing diabetes, as well as research designed to help people with diabetes live longer, healthier, more normal lives. The goal of the ADA research program is to leverage its investment in research to achieve the greatest possible benefit for people with diabetes. In funding innovative research such as that led by Dr. Du, the research program supports research projects that cover the spectrum of diabetes-related investigation.
To receive the Thomas R. Lee Career Development Award, Dr. Du submitted application materials demonstrating scientific abilities and research potential that met the strict criteria of the Association’s peer review process. Dr. Du received his PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He has received numerous honors, including the Clayton Foundation Fellowship for peptide biology research at The Salk Institute; the National Research Service Award, a training award from the National Institutes of Health; the Merck Fellowship for Graduate Studies; and a Research Fellowship from the Center of Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, part of Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He has also had his work published in more than a dozen peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Du is currently an assistant professor at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.
“In this era of cost-consciousness and cutting-edge research, it is important to recognize and support researchers like Dr. Du who are leading the way toward a brighter future for people with diabetes,” said Don Wagner, Chair of the American Diabetes Association Research Foundation. “We are confident that these funds will truly benefit the diabetes community, and hope that all scientists who share our mission will help our work to prevent or delay the devastating complications associated with this disease.”
“I am honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious award,” said Dr. Du. “The funds will allow me to investigate and contribute to our understanding of type 2 diabetes, possibly leading to new treatment options.”
Diabetes is a chronic disease and a silent killer. 18.2 million Americans have diabetes and more than 1.3 million are newly diagnosed each year. Diabetes is the nation’s fifth deadliest disease, killing more than 213,000 people annually. In 2002, diabetes cost the United States $132 billion, up from $98 billion in 1997. A major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, diabetes is also the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations.
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.
American Diabetes Association
CONTACT: Kendra Gutschow of American Diabetes Association,+1-703-549-1500 x2146
Web site: http://www.diabetes.org/