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.