Abbott Scholar Award in Rheumatology Given to Promising Researchers ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Three promising scientists have been named as the latest recipients of the Abbott Scholar Award in Rheumatology Research, a mentored research award to help aid physicians as they embark on their careers in academic rheumatology. The Abbott Scholar award provides funding to researchers in the early stages of their careers to promote career development and encourage continued research in rheumatology. The award supports basic and translational research related to rheumatic diseases, including epidemiology, health services research in arthritis and related autoimmune diseases, and innovative clinical research. The award grants recipients a fellowship of up to three years to support their continued research. "The Abbott Scholar award provides the support that young researchers need to continue exploring scientific avenues that one day may lead to innovations in the way we treat rheumatic diseases," said John Varga, M.D., chairman of the Abbott Scholar Award Advisory Board, and professor of medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. "Today we face a shortage of rheumatologists, so we need to encourage investigators whose work stands to potentially benefit so many people." Following are the recipients of this year's Abbott Scholar award: James W. Verbsky, M.D., Ph.D. Fellow in Pediatric Rheumatology/Immunology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Project title: "Characterization of CD46 Generated T Regulatory Cells" Dr. Verbsky is studying T regulatory cells, which help turn off immune responses, in the hope to better characterize them and understand how they regulate immune responses. Additionally, he is studying children who develop autoimmune diseases to determine if they have a deficiency or inability to correctly produce these cells. Tuhina Neogi, M.D., FRCPC Post-Doctoral Rheumatology Research Fellow in the Clinical Epidemiology Research and Training Unit Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Project title: "Vitamin K, Osteoarthritis and Chondrocalcinosis" Dr. Neogi is researching whether low vitamin K status, assessed by dietary intake and blood vessels, is associated with osteoarthritis and chondrocalcinosis, as determined by x-ray findings. If such an association is found, clinical trials could test the effects of correcting vitamin K levelson these diseases. Just as calcium and vitamin D are used to help prevent and treat osteoporosis, vitamin K would be a simple dietary supplement to help prevent and treat two common forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and pseudogout. Sandeep K. Agarwal, M.D., Ph.D. Clinical and Research Fellow of Rheumatology Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Project title: "Role of Synoviocyte Cadherin-11 in Inflammatory Arthritis" Dr. Agarwal is researching a novel adhesion molecule in the synovial membrane called Cadherin-11. This molecule allows specific cells to adhere to each other and has previously been demonstrated to be critical in allowing cells to migrate and invade other tissues. Dr. Agarwal would like to better understand the role of Cadherin-11 in the formation of the synovial membrane and its role in inflammatory arthritis. "This award means a great deal to me, and it shows the pharmaceutical industry supports research in the public sector," Dr. Verbsky, said. "I feel this is an exciting time in rheumatology research with many new developments on the horizon. Until now the scientific community has had a poor understanding of rheumatic disease, and grants such as this will improve our understanding of rheumatic disease and hopefully improve the care of patients suffering from these diseases." "The Abbott Scholar Award represents Abbott Immunology's commitment to improving treatment for patients with rheumatic conditions," said Tim Walbert, divisional vice president and general manager, Abbott Immunology. "Abbott understands that improved patient care first begins with physicians allowed to further study their hypotheses. This award honors that dedication." Award recipients are selected by an independent advisory panel of 12 clinical and research experts in rheumatology. To qualify for the award, candidates needed to demonstrate a commitment to a career in academic rheumatology, a plan for career development and a commitment of support from their mentor and their institution. In addition, candidates must have agreed to devote at least 80 percent of their time to research and training. Upcoming Application Deadlines As part of its long-term commitment to the research and treatmentof immunologic diseases, Abbott is seeking applicants for the next grant cycle of the Abbott Scholar Award. The next application submission deadline is September 15, 2004. Three award recipients will be selected each year to receive a fellowship starting at $65,000 per year for up to three years. More information on the Abbott Scholar award is available at http://www.abbottscholar.com/ or by calling (201) 553-8859. Abbott's Commitment to Immunology Abbott is focused on the discovery and development of innovative treatments for immunologic diseases, like RA. The Abbott Bioresearch Center, founded in 1989 in Worcester, Mass., U.S., is a world-class discovery and basic research facility committed to finding new treatments for autoimmune diseases. Abbott Laboratories is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, nutritionals and medical products, including devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than70,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com/ . DATASOURCE: Abbott Laboratories CONTACT: Media, Kelly Morrison, +1-847-937-3802, or Geoff Curtis, +1-847-935-8975, or Financial Community, John Thomas, +1-847-938-2655 Web site: http://www.abbottscholar.com/ http://www.abbott.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110328.html

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