Bethesda, MD (Nov. 18, 2013) — The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute announced today that Covidien, a leading global provider of health-care products, recently agreed to expand its corporate grant to the AGA Institute. This multi-year commitment will stimulate innovation to advance the science and practice of gastroenterology and improve patient outcomes. AGA will distribute Covidien's generous grant — which was initiated in January 2012 — across AGA's central initiatives in technology and research.
"Like the AGA, Covidien is committed to finding discoveries that improve the lives of those struggling with digestive diseases," said Anil K. Rustgi, MD, AGAF, president, AGA Institute. "Covidien's support is vital to encourage investment and innovation, and we are thrilled to partner with Covidien to foster discoveries that will advance the science and practice of gastroenterology."
Covidien's grant supports a new award called the AGA-Covidien Research and Development Pilot Award in Technology. This grant, administered by the AGA Research Foundation, will provide non-salary funds for new and established investigators to research and develop new devices, design and test significant improvements to existing technologies, develop a new diagnostic tool, develop a novel research method technology, and/or investigate the application of nanotechnology or methodologies, such as computational biology, to the field of gastroenterology.
The AGA-Covidien Research and Development Pilot Award in Technology will include four total awards. Covidien's funding for this grant starts in July 2014 for the first recipient. The three subsequent recipients will receive funding in July 2015, July 2016 and July 2017, respectively. The application deadline is Jan. 17, 2014, for the first award recipient. View award details, eligibility requirements and selection criteria at http://www.gastro.org/foundation.
In addition to research funding, Covidien's grant continues to support:
- AGA's Center for GI Innovation and Technology, which supports the development of technology in gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition and obesity that meet evidence-based standards and, ultimately, will improve patient care. The center serves as an objective GI-specific resource to assist members, GI researchers, entrepreneurs and the medical device, therapeutics and investment communities in their work to bring new technology to the marketplace.
- AGA's annual technology summit, which serves to identify unmet needs in gastroenterology, highlight promising new technologies, and deliver vital information on what it takes to obtain approval, adoption, coverage and reimbursement in today's health-care environment. The 2014 summit will take place March 20 and 21, 2014, in San Francisco, CA.
- AGA Research Foundation's Corporate Roundtable, which engages corporate and clinical GI leaders in discussions regarding scientific advancements, policy, legislation and other issues and opportunities that impact the science and practice of gastroenterology and hepatology.
"Research and development of novel devices and technologies is critical to advancing patient care," said Vafa Jamali, vice president and general manager, GI Solutions, Covidien. "We are pleased to expand our partnership with the AGA Institute and the AGA Research Foundation. Supporting education, research and dialogue around technologies that can significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases is critical to improving patient outcomes."
About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. http://www.gastro.org.
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About the AGA Research Foundation
The AGA Research Foundation, formerly known as the Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition, is the cornerstone of AGA's effort to expand digestive disease research funding. Since 1984, the AGA, through its foundations, has provided more than $40 million in research grants to more than 770 scientists. The AGA Research Foundation serves as a bridge to the future of research in gastroenterology and hepatology by providing critical funding to advance the careers of young researchers between the end of training and the establishment of credentials that earn National Institutes of Health grants. Learn more about the AGA Research Foundation or make a contribution at http://www.gastro.org/foundation.
About Covidien
Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry-leading products in medical devices and supplies. With 2013 revenue of $10.2 billion, Covidien has more than 38,000 employees worldwide in more than 70 countries, and its products are sold in over 150 countries. Please visit http://www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.