WEST HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bayer Fellowship Program in Blood Conservation (“Bayer Fellowship Program”) today announced the recipients of the 2005 Bayer Fellowship. An independent panel of distinguished academic physicians selected Dr. Matthew L. Agnew of the University of Washington School of Medicine and Dr. Matthew D. McEvoy of the Medical University of South Carolina to receive research grants totaling $50,000.
Blood management is a multi-faceted approach to regulating and conserving the blood supply so that it is always available -- in sufficient quantity, purity and type -- when it is needed. With some studies showing that effective blood management can save as much as 30 percent of a hospital’s blood supply(1), research in blood management and conservation is gaining momentum.
“We are pleased to present these awards to two young researchers who have demonstrated sound knowledge and a strong sense of commitment to the science and study of blood,” said Dr. Michael N. D’Ambra, chairman of the Bayer Fellowship selection committee and anesthesiologist at the department of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “As Drs. Agnew and McEvoy continue their research, their experiences will play a significant role in highlighting the critical role of blood conservation as a component of modern health care quality and delivery.”
Dr. Agnew, a native of Billings, Mont., is a research fellow of cardiothoracic surgery. He will study mechanisms for heart muscle damage during periods of oxygen deprivation. Dr. McEvoy, a native of Atlanta, Ga., is a resident and research fellow in anesthesiology. He will investigate a novel myocardial effect with the use of aprotinin in the setting of interrupted oxygen supply to the heart.
At the same time, the recipients of the 2004 Bayer Fellowship were also awarded one-year extensions of their grants, leading to a total value of $80,000 for this year’s fellowship grants. Dr. Alexander S. Farivar, resident in surgery at the department of surgery of the University of Washington, will continue to study the role of coagulation in the development of lung injury during interrupted oxygen delivery (lung injury can contribute to significant mortality during thoracic surgical procedures). Dr. Joseph W. Turek, resident in general and thoracic surgery at the department of surgery of the Duke University Medical Center, will carry on the proteomic analysis of coagulation derangements induced by infant cardiopulmonary bypass.
In its 14th year, the Bayer Fellowship Program is now the cornerstone of Bayer’s efforts to promote academic research in blood conservation and management. By providing important financial support to young researchers in cardiothoracic surgery and anesthesia, Bayer aims to promote research in basic science, clinical, and economic aspects of blood transfusion and conservation among junior members of the academic community. The Bayer Fellowship Program has awarded $900,000 to 29 academic researchers since its establishment in 1992.
The 2006 Bayer Fellowship is now accepting applications until April 3, 2006. Traditionally open to cardiothoracic surgeons and anesthesiologists only, the program will now be open to other surgeries that present the opportunity to better conserve or manage blood use, including orthopedic and oncology surgery. The broadening of the program reflects the growing emphasis on blood management in healthcare quality and delivery.
The Bayer Fellowship award is sponsored by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. For more information about the Bayer Fellowship Program and to obtain an application form, visit http://www.trasylol.com/grants.htm or contact the Bayer Fellowship Program coordinator, Bruce Leeb & Company, at the following: info@blc1.com (e-mail), 201-703-6100 (telephone) or 201-703-6101 (fax).
Notes to Editors The Bayer Fellowship selection committee comprises: * Dr. Michael N. D’Ambra, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women’s Hospital * Committee Chair * Dr. Gregory A. Nuttall, Mayo Clinic * Dr. Craig R. Smith, New York Presbyterian Hospital * Dr. Peter K. Smith, Duke University Medical Center * Dr. Edward D. Verrier, University of Washington About Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation
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This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). Bayer assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
(1) J. L. Pierson, T. J. Hannon, and D. R. Earles, A Blood-Conservation Algorithm to Reduce Blood Transfusions After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty, J Bone Joint Surg Am, July 1, 2004; 86(7): 1512-1518.
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