The Awards designed to recognize and support rising stars (aged 35 or under) working within the field of the Central Nervous System (CNS) were awarded to three exceptional researchers from Austria and the USA. The ‘Young Minds’ will be rewarded with an unrestricted career development award of $20,000 in addition to sponsorship to attend key international CNS congresses. The Awards Program consists of several CNS categories, among them: Bipolar Disorder/Mania, Depression & Anxiety and Schizophrenia.
The Bipolar Disorder/Mania category was awarded to Dr Roy Perlis from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA. The award will be used by Dr Perlis to investigate residual symptoms in bipolar disorder and further his education in biostatistics and clinical trial design. The results from his research will form the basis of his application for a National Institution of Mental Health (NIMH) training grant. “Receiving this award will greatly facilitate my progress towards my career goal and assist me to take the next major step in building an independent research career in bipolar disorder,” commented Dr Perlis.
The Depression & Anxiety category was won by Professor Johannes Tauscher from the University of Vienna, Austria who will be using the award to fund an innovative molecular research project to examine a type of serotonin receptor in patients suffering from anxiety disorders. There is a possibility that his research could lead to the development of a new biological marker for anxiety disorders.
In the Schizophrenia category, the judges felt that Dr Andrew Gilbert from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA deserved the award for his original research proposal investigating thalamic neurochemistry in first-episode patients. Dr Gilbert explained how the award will help further his career, “Winning this award will provide me with the opportunity to independently coordinate and carry out a neuroimaging study, enriching my understanding of and interest in neuropsychiatric research.”
The large number of submissions received from 19 countries worldwide, were reviewed by an independent panel of distinguished experts from the CNS field. “Deciding on the winners was a difficult task considering the outstanding quality of the applications received,” commented Professor Gary Sachs, University of Pittsburgh, USA and a member of the independent judging panel. “We looked at what the applicants had already achieved in their careers as an indication of their future promise, in addition to their proposal to ensure we selected the candidates who are set to reach the top of their profession.”
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $16.4 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia (including pain management), cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products.
In CNS, AstraZeneca is dedicated to providing medicines which have the potential to change patients lives. The company already markets ZOMIG® the leading second generation triptan and SEROQUEL® the fastest growing global antipsychotic. The exciting R&D pipeline includes leading approaches for the treatment of depression/anxiety disorders, overactive bladder disorders, dementia and stroke.
For further information, please contact:
Jim Minnick, AstraZeneca Tel: +1 302 886 5135 Mobile: +1 610 457 1828 Email: jim.minnick@astrazeneca.com
Antonia Betts or Ellie Goss, Shire Health International Tel. +44 (0) 207 471 1500 Email: antonia.betts@shirehealthinternational.com Email: ellie.goss@shirehealthinternational.com
Editors Note: The 2002 Awards Program is currently open for applications. Please access the Young Minds in CNS Award Program webpages on http://www.astrazeneca.com/youngminds for further information. The closing date for applications is 31st August 2002.