The Talecris New Trials Support program
(Talents), sponsored by Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc., is now accepting
applications for its 2008 research grants cycle. The Talents program
entering its third year, aims to advance basic and clinical research
addressing the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) in
immunological, hematological, and neurological indications. Totaling $1
million, the grants support either a one- or two-year research period
and include funding for salary, overheads, and direct costs.
Application Process
Effective immediately, interested investigators are invited to submit a
Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Talents Evaluation Committee, a committee
comprised of Talecris scientists and external experts in immunology
neurology, and hematology. The deadline for submission of an LOI for the
2008 cycle is August 4, 2008. Upon LOI approval by the Evaluation
Committee, investigators will receive a full application form to be
completed by mid-October 2008. Selection of proposals for funding will
be based on scientific merit, applicant qualifications, research
environment, and consistency with the overall Talents program goals.
Funding decisions and notification of award recipients will be made in
late 2008 with funding beginning in 2009.
"When we announced this program in 2006, we
did so with an aim to support the intellectual endeavors of the global
IGIV research community," said Larry Stern
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Talecris Biotherapeutics. "The
scientific knowledge and insights gained from these funded studies are
significant, and we continue to be impressed with the quality of the
research teams and scientific proposals."
2007 Grant Recipients
Five clinicians who represent life science institutions from around the
world received 2007 Talents grants. Grant monies will fund clinical and
basic research studies ranging from the effects of IGIV on dendritic
cell maturation, to the use of IGIV to protect kidney function from
ischemia reperfusion, to a multi-year study investigating the effect of
IGIV on complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The selected grant
awardees represent three countries across Europe and North America:
Germany, Canada, and the United States. Investigators and their academic
institutions are listed below:
Dr. Mark Ballow, Pediatric Associates, University of Buffalo, Buffalo
New York; Dr. Franz Blaes, Justus-Liebig-University, Glaessen, Germany;
Dr. Jacob Prendergast, University Health Network, Toronto General
Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Dr. Hamid Rabb, Johns Hopkins University
Nephrology Division, Baltimore, Maryland; and Dr. Barbara Wasowska
Johns Hopkins University, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, Maryland
"As we enter our third year, Talents is
attracting proposals from well-established scientists and clinicians
working to implement novel approaches in IGIV therapy," said Rene McRogers, Director of Scientific Relations and Communications
and Talents Program Chair at Talecris Biotherapeutics. "We
hope these innovative ideas will have a positive impact on this field
and lead to insights that will help us further improve patient care."
All information about the program, including how to apply, is available
on the Talents Web site, www.talecristalents.com.
Talecris Biotherapeutics: Inspiration. Dedication. Innovation.
Talecris Biotherapeutics is a global biotherapeutic and biotechnology
company that discovers, develops and produces critical care treatments
for people with life-threatening disorders in a variety of therapeutic
areas including immunology, pulmonology, and hemostasis. Talecris is
proudly building upon a 60-year legacy of innovation and a commitment to
improving the lives of people who rely on its therapeutic products. With
an emphasis on scientific inquiry and technological excellence, Talecris
is expanding its current portfolio of products, programs, and services
through its own world-class product development organization as well as
through strategic initiatives that leverage its strengths with those of
its partners.
Talecris, with revenues of approximately $1.2 billion in 2007, is
headquartered in biotech hub Research Triangle Park, N.C., and employs
more than 4,000 talented people worldwide.
To learn more about Talecris and how our employees are making a
difference in the lives of patients and the healthcare community, visit www.talecris.com.
