Dr. Roger Zebazé, Research Fellow at the Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, at the University of Melbourne has been named the winner of the IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant. The Grant was officially awarded today at the ECCEO9-IOF Meeting which is being held from March 18-21, 2009 in Athens, Greece.
The IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant, generously supported by the Servier Research group in partnership with IOF, awards Euro 40,000 towards original research of significant value and international relevance in the field of osteoporosis. Its aim is to encourage and support young scientists under the age of 40 in carrying out innovative, high quality osteoporosis-related research.
Dr. Zebazé's winning project will investigate whether reduced bone strength due to structural abnormalities, independent of bone mineral density, contributes to distal radius fractures in childhood. Although these fractures occur in circumstances of trauma, it is likely that underlying bone fragility is a contributing factor. Using a new peripheral computed tomography, Dr. Zebazé's project will directly quantify and compare bone structure and strength (by FEA) in subjects with distal radius fractures with non-fracture peers matched by sex, age and pubertal status.
At the presentation of the award, Professor René Rizzoli, Vice-chair of IOF's Committee of Scientific Advisors, congratulated Dr. Zebazé and noted that, "Fractures in children are very common. We hope that the results of the project will ultimately help us to better understand bone fragility and devise adequate preventative and therapeutic measures for childhood fractures."
Dr. Yannis Tsouderos, General Manager Therapeutic Development of Servier, commented, "Servier has proudly supported the IOF-Servier Young Investigator Research Grant since 2000. We hope that our support of independent and innovative research by young scientists ultimately contributes to a better understanding of the disease and to ensuring that osteoporosis sufferers receive the best care possible."
Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and break easily, is one of the world's most common and debilitating diseases. The result: pain, loss of movement, inability to perform daily chores, and in many cases, death. Around the world, one out of three women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one out of five men (1,2,3). Osteoporosis can, to a certain extent, be prevented, it can be easily diagnosed and effective treatments are available. Nevertheless many people with osteoporosis and at risk of fracture remain undiagnosed and do not receive treatment.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is the only worldwide organization dedicated to the fight against osteoporosis. It brings together scientists, physicians, patient societies and corporate partners. Working with its 191 member patient and medical societies in 91 locations, and other healthcare-related organizations around the world, IOF encourages awareness and prevention, early detection and improved treatment of osteoporosis. Visit www.iofbonehealth.org for further information.
1. Melton U, Chrischilles EA, Cooper C et al. How many women have osteoporosis?
Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 1992; 7:1005-10
2. Kanis JA et al. Long-term risk of osteoporotic fracture in Malmo.
Osteoporos Int, 2000; 11:669-674
3. Melton LJ, et al. Bone density and fracture risk in men. JBMR. 1998; 13: No 12:1915
For more information on osteoporosis and IOF please visit: http://www.iofbonehealth.org