Merck Announces Recipients of the Grant for Growth Innovation 2016

PR65694

DARMSTADT, Germany, Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN / --

      - The presentation of the grants coincides with the 55th European Society

for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Meeting

     - The awards support innovative projects for the advancement of science

and medical research in the field of growth

    Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the

recipients of the Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI) for 2016. The awards were

announced yesterday evening at an award presentation meeting organized by Merck

during the 55th European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Meeting in

Paris, France.

    Merck is providing grants to pioneers of new research in growth through the

Grant for Growth Innovation award. Identifying and supporting forward thinking

researchers in the field of growth follows Merck's scientific strategy of

providing a platform that makes innovation possible.

    "It is inspiring to see the high quality and aspiration of the researchers

to whom these grants have been awarded. We recognise that despite advances in

treatment and management of growth disorders, we still require a better

understanding of these diseases to address the high unmet medical need. We look

forward to seeing the results of these projects," said Dr Steven Hildemann,

Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medical and Safety at Merck's

Biopharma business.

    38 applications were received from 20 countries and reviewed by an

independent Scientific Steering Committee composed of five internationally

renowned endocrinologists and researchers. Following a rigorous selection

process, three awards were offered to innovative projects which seek to advance

understanding in the field of growth. The winning projects are based in

Australia, Italy and Brazil, and are as follows:

    Andrew J. Brooks

    University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia

    Project: Targeting the transmembrane domain of the growth hormone receptor

to develop new drug classes addressing unmet needs in treatment of growth

hormone disorders

    Antonio Cittadini, MD, PhD

    Federico II University, Naples, Italy

    Project: Treatment of growth hormone deficiency associated with chronic

heart failure: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

    Alexander Augusto de Lima Jorge, MD, PhD

    University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil

    Project: Growth hormone and estrogen pharmacogenetics in patients with

Turner syndrome

    About the Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI)

    Merck initiated the GGI program to support the advancement of understanding

of the field of growth. A total grant of up to EUR400,000 per year, divided

between up to three research proposals, will be awarded to the selected

projects. Each application is blinded and evaluated by an independent

Scientific Steering Committee composed of internationally renowned

endocrinologists and researchers, according to five criteria: innovation;

scientific rationale; clarity; feasibility; and impact of research.

    For further information about the GGI and how to apply for next year's

grants, please visit http://www.grantforgrowthinnovation.org

    All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they

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    About Merck

    Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life

science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further

develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical

therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for

scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD

televisions. In 2015, Merck generated sales of EUR 12.85 billion in 66

countries.

    Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical

company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed

corporate group. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany holds the global rights to the Merck

name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the

company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Contact: Bettina Frank: +49-6151-72-4660

         (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160524/371574LOGO )

Source: Merck