This award is given annually for pioneering research on regeneration in spinal cord injury or disease and was established in memory of Dr. L. W. Freeman, who was one of the original members of the NSCIA Medical Advisory Committee. A scientist at Indiana University, Dr. Freeman was committed to research that advanced the knowledge of treatment for spinal cord injury. Dr. Freeman was a tireless researcher and teacher, and he served as a key advisor to the Association until his death in 1969.
Marcie Roth, Executive Director of the NSCIA, said, "The NSCIA recognizes the significant contribution that Acorda Therapeutics is making in scientific research that benefits the spinal cord injury community. Acorda's research platform encompasses a broad range of therapeutic targets ranging from regenerative therapies to therapies focused on improved function designed to improve the quality of life and overall health for persons living with a spinal cord injury."
Ron Cohen, M.D., Founder and CEO of Acorda Therapeutics, said, "Acorda is the first company to focus on the development of therapies to restore function in people with SCI. We are proud to be working with the NSCIA to achieve this and are honored to accept this award. Our lead product, Fampridine-SR, entered Phase 3 clinical trials for chronic SCI this year. This is the first time a therapy for improving function in chronic SCI has reached that milestone. Our relationship with the NSCIA continues to be an important catalyst in helping to move the research and education forward in SCI."
The awards ceremony will take place at The Sheraton Mesa Hotel and Convention Center at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 14, 2002. Elliott Gruskin, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Development for Acorda, will accept the award on behalf of the company.
About the NSCIA
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association, founded in 1948, is the nation's oldest and largest civilian organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of Americans living with the results of spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) and their families. This number grows by thirty newly-injury people each day.
About Acorda Therapeutics
Acorda Therapeutics, a privately held biotechnology company, is developing therapies for spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). The Company's lead product, Fampridine-SR, is in Phase 3 clinical trials for chronic SCI and is in Phase 2 trials for MS. Acorda's technology platform also includes a class of human monoclonal antibodies that have been shown to remyelinate the central nervous system in animal models. These antibodies are in preclinical development for MS. Additionally, Acorda is developing protein- and stem cell-based technologies for regeneration and repair of the spinal cord and brain.
Contact:
Tierney Saccavino
Director of Communications, Acorda Therapeutics
Phone: 914-347-4300 x 104
Email: tsaccavino@acorda.com