- Program Further Demonstrates Biogen Idec’s Commitment to Quality Education in the Field of Multiple Sclerosis -
WESTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its commitment to furthering the quality of education in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS), Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) is proud to announce that it provided grants to twelve prestigious universities and medical centers across the country for the 2010-2011 academic year. The grants were awarded through the Biogen Idec MS Clinical Fellowship Program and provided a total of $900,000 to recipients for the placement of clinical MS Fellows.
“This unique program helps promising healthcare professionals pursue programs and research aimed at understanding and treating this chronic and debilitating disease,” said Frederick E. Munschauer III, M.D., Vice President of U.S. Medical Affairs at Biogen Idec. “Biogen Idec is pleased to award these grants to highly respected universities and medical centers that are also committed to the MS community and seeking better ways to manage the disease.”
Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed in the U.S.1 Common symptoms include walking, balancing and coordination problems, vision problems, fatigue, impaired cognitive function and pain. Although there are several therapies available to treat the disease, there is no known cure. It is Biogen Idec’s hope that the research and programs conducted at each of these institutions funded by these Fellowship grants, combined with its own internal research, will help find new and innovative ways to address this disease.
“This generous grant from Biogen Idec will provide Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center with the resources we need to implement programming geared toward people with MS in our community,” said Dr. Alireza Minagar, Associate Professor of Neurology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. “Specifically, it will enable neurology training programs that will enhance the medical community’s knowledge about this incurable but treatable neurological disease. The addition of sub-specialists to the Louisiana State medical community is a great advantage because more multiple sclerosis patients can be diagnosed and properly treated at an earlier stage of their disease process.”
Each application is reviewed by Biogen Idec’s Grant Review Committee. Twelve nationally recognized universities and medical centers were selected to receive one of the 2010 MS Clinical Fellowship grants based on a comprehensive application process, focusing on each institution’s specific clinical and research programs that target the specific needs of the local community.
About the Biogen Idec MS Clinical Fellowship Program
Biogen Idec introduced the MS Clinical Fellowship Program in 2006. Since its inception, Biogen Idec has donated more than $2,000,000 through this program.
Historically, Biogen Idec funded four MS Fellows a year; however, in 2010, the program expanded to support twelve Fellows. The MS Clinical Fellowship grants are awarded for a single year and provide salary for a Clinical Fellow. Selection and placement of the MS Clinical Fellow is at the discretion of the recipient institution. Biogen Idec has no influence over or involvement in the selection of the MS Clinical Fellow. For more information on the MS Clinical Fellowship program please visit https://grantsoffice.biogenidec.com.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec uses cutting edge science to discover, develop, manufacture and market biological products for the treatment of serious diseases with a focus on neurological disorders. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is the world’s oldest independent biotechnology company. Patients worldwide benefit from its leading multiple sclerosis therapies, and the company generates more than $4 billion in annual revenues. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.
1 National MS Society. Who Gets MS. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/who-gets-ms/index.aspx
