ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Diabetes Association Research Foundation today announced a $1.425 million commitment by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. to support two important diabetes-related fellowship programs. The first program, which Takeda has sponsored for more than three years, is the American Diabetes Association (ADA)-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Mentor-Based Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The second program is the launch of a newly-created American Diabetes Association- Takeda Pharmaceuticals Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetes Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
"These programs are critical because they support the careers of rising diabetes researchers who might just hold the key for future advances in the fight against diabetes," said Don Wagner, Chair, ADA Research Foundation. "With diabetes disproportionately affecting minority populations, it is important to encourage and support researchers from these areas. The new fellowship also recognizes that the most life-threatening consequences of diabetes are heart disease and stroke and promotes professionals focused on those areas of need."
These programs will give some of this country's most promising diabetes researchers the opportunity to work under the tutelage and mentorship of established diabetes research investigators. The candidates selected for each program will pursue basic or clinical research projects aimed at preventing, treating and curing diabetes.
"Takeda's mission is to strive toward better health for individuals," said Robert Spanheimer, medical director, diabetes and metabolism in Medical and Scientific Affairs at Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. "If we can help bring new research to the market through our relationship with the ADA, we're one step closer to helping those individuals and the greater community achieve better health. We're confident that this is the right collaboration to help us do that."
Diabetes is one of this nation's most prevalent, debilitating, deadly and costly diseases, affecting almost 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.
"This trend underscores the urgency and importance of ongoing research in diabetes, a key mission for the ADA," added Wagner. "We are proud to support up-and-coming researchers with the help of Takeda in the advancement of their research and their desire to decrease the number of people living with diabetes."
Seven Minority Fellowships were given in 2005 -- and with Takeda's continued support -- more will be awarded in 2006. Current ADA award holders interested in re-applying for a future American Diabetes Association-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Mentor-Based Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship should visit the ADA Web site at: http://diabetes.org/diabetes-research/research-grant-application-forms.jsp.
In addition, four Cardiovascular Fellowships will be awarded in 2006. Applicants interested in applying for a future American Diabetes Association- Takeda Pharmaceuticals Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetes Postdoctoral Fellowship should apply online at the above Web site. Funding will begin on July 1, 2006.
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 Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.
Based in Lincolnshire, Ill., Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan. In the United States, Takeda currently markets oral diabetes, sleep, gastroenterology and cholesterol lowering treatments, and through the Takeda Global Research & Development Center, Inc. the company has a robust pipeline with compounds in development for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other conditions. Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior pharmaceutical products. To learn more about the company and its products, visit http://www.tpna.com.
American Diabetes AssociationCONTACT: Rachel Morgan of the American Diabetes Association,+1-703-549-1500, ext. 2290
