CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Eli Lilly and Company today announced a long-term funding relationship to identify, test and publish practical solutions to improve outcomes for people with diabetes throughout the world. The programme, known as "Bringing Research In Diabetes to Global Environments and Systems" (BRIDGES), was unveiled at the 19th World Diabetes Congress currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa.
Through a gift from Lilly of USD 10 million over the next seven years, the IDF BRIDGES grant programme will fund translational research projects in diabetes. The BRIDGES grant research programme will provide the opportunity to 'translate' lessons learned from clinical research to those who can benefit most: people with diabetes. Lessons learned through the supported research projects provide the opportunity to steer, for example, the development of treatment routines and effective behavioural interventions, leading to relevant, evidence-based health care and improved outcomes for people with diabetes.
This programme will rely on collaboration and cultural context. Under the BRIDGES programme, researchers can share insights and advice for improving their projects, leading to findings that can be applied in different settings.
"Despite the recent revolution in scientific knowledge and the introduction of many new diabetes treatments, there remains a major gap between what we have learned through clinical research and what we do in clinical practice to successfully support patient behaviour modification," said Pierre Lefebvre, IDF president. "With the BRIDGES programme, we will identify realistic ways for achieving better outcomes for people with diabetes to help halt the progression of this disease. We are confident that this global research programme will help communities worldwide identify their specific needs related to intervention and prevention, and develop programmes that directly benefit people with diabetes in their region."
Diabetes continues to be a growing pandemic and is the world's fourth leading cause of death by disease. Diabetes affects more than 240 million people worldwide and is expected to affect 380 million by 2025. Over the last several decades, a revolution in science has contributed to a greater understanding of the disease and the development of new cutting-edge therapies. Still, diabetes prevalence, morbidity and mortality have continued to grow rapidly.
A steering committee appointed by IDF will determine the amounts and types of grant awards. Projects designed to test pharmaceuticals or disease mechanisms are not eligible for funding through this programme.
"Lilly is proud to partner with IDF on this groundbreaking research initiative," said Jose Caro, MD, vice president of Global Diabetes Care Outcomes, Eli Lilly and Company. "While we remain deeply committed to scientific research and bringing breakthrough pharmaceutical products to the diabetes community, we know that success in diabetes won't come through medical intervention alone. Innovative ideas are needed to help people with diabetes achieve better outcomes and live a more fulfilling life with diabetes in the long run."
The BRIDGES programme will issue a request for grant proposals during the second quarter of 2007. All grant proposals will be peer reviewed and prioritized by a cross-disciplinary external review group managed by the IDF. The first grant award announcements will take place before the end of 2007.
For more information about the BRIDGES grant research programme or to request an application, please log on to www.idf.org.
Note to editors:
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for more than 240 million people with diabetes worldwide. It represents over 190 diabetes associations in more than 150 countries. The mission of IDF is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. IDF is a non- governmental organization in official relations with the World Health Organization.
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs.
International Diabetes FederationCONTACT: Anne Pierson, IDF Press Events Manager, anne@idf.org, mobile +27(0)828519894 ; or Lee Lange, Eli Lilly and Company, Manager, Global ProductCommunications, Langele@Lilly.com, mobile +1 317-457-3864
