Pfizer and the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes Announce a New Research Program Focused on Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Diabetes



    Pfizer and the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes
    (EFSD) announced today, at the European Association for the Study of
    Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting, the development of a new awards
    program which will provide research grants to support European
    research around understanding and reducing cardiovascular risk in
    patients with diabetes.

    Grants will be awarded for, but not limited to, research focusing
    on fostering a clearer understanding of the best cardiovascular
    risk-reduction strategies, such as educational programs, risk-
    assessment tools, screenings and clinical interventions.

    "Pfizer is proud to partner with the EFSD on this new research
    initiative," said Dr. Lance Berman, senior medical director, Pfizer.
    "As part of our commitment to the care of patients with diabetes,
    Pfizer is dedicated to supporting research that will help identify
    ways to reduce these risks, further our understanding of optimal
    treatment options, and ultimately improve the lives of the people with
    diabetes."

    Researchers who are interested in applying for a grant through
    this new program will be able to submit applications beginning in
    January 2008. Specific instructions for how to apply will be published
    in an upcoming issue of Diabetologia, the journal of the EASD, and
    will also be available on the Pfizer and EFSD websites. The deadline
    for submissions is March 2008 and recipients of the grants will be
    announced in June 2008.

    "We are excited about this new grant program and partnership with
    Pfizer," said Professor Philippe Halban, EFSD chairman. "While the
    EFSD has several different grant programs, this is the first research
    program partnership to focus on understanding and reducing
    cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes. This will help the
    medical community better understand how to prevent the devastating
    effects that cardiovascular disease has on the lives of the people
    with diabetes."

    Diabetes currently affects an estimated 230 million people
    worldwide. The most life-threatening consequences of diabetes are
    heart disease and stroke, with more than 65 percent of deaths in
    people with diabetes being attributed to heart and cardiovascular
    disease. Additionally, more than twice as many people with diabetes
    suffer from heart disease compared to those without diabetes.