Merck Announces Recipients of the Grant for Growth Innovation 2017

PR70122

DARMSTADT, Germany, 18 Sept, 2017/PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

The presentation of the grants coincides with the 10th International Meeting of

Pediatric Endocrinology   

The awards program supports advancements in the field of growth and growth

disorders  

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

of the Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI) for 2017. The winners were announced

at an awards presentation meeting organized by Merck, during the 10th

International Meeting of Pediatric Endocrinology in Washington, United States.

     (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/557238/Merck_KgaA_Winners.jpg )

"It is inspiring to see the scientific quality and rigor of these projects and

the aspiration of the researchers to whom these grants have been awarded. We

recognize that despite advances in treatment and management of growth

disorders, we still require a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms

of these diseases to address the unmet medical need of affected patients. We

look forward to seeing meaningful outcomes of these projects making a

difference in patient´s lives" said Dr Steven Hildemann, Global Chief Medical

Officer and Head of Global Patient Safety at Merck´s Biopharma business.

Sixty-five applications were received from 28 countries, and reviewed by an

independent Scientific Steering Committee comprised of six internationally

renowned endocrinologists and researchers. Following a rigorous selection

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

understanding in the field of growth and growth disorders. The winning projects

originated from the research groups based in France and Denmark, and are as

follows:

Professor Irène Netchine,  

Hôpital Trousseau, Sorbonne Universités-Université Pierre et Marie Curie,

Paris, France

Project: Delta-like homologue 1(DLK1) implication in fetal and postnatal growth

Professor Jens Otto Lunde Jørgensen,  

Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

Project: Lipolytic effects of growth hormone (GH): cracking the code

Through the Grant for Growth Innovation, Merck is providing support to pioneers

of advanced research in the field of growth and growth disorders, and is thus

continually striving to drive innovation and improve the understanding and

advancement of science and medical research in this field.

About the Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI)

Merck initiated the GGI program to support the advancement of understanding

growth mechanisms and growth disorders. A total amount of up to €400,000 per

year is invested into this program. This total amount is divided among up to

three research projects. Each application is evaluated by an independent

Scientific Steering Committee composed of internationally renowned

endocrinologists and researchers and in accordance with five selection

criteria: innovation, scientific rationale, clarity, feasibility, and impact of

research.

For further information about the GGI and how to apply for the 2018 grant,

please visit http://www.grantforgrowthinnovation.org

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

available on the Merck Website. Please go to

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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 2016, Merck generated sales of €15.0 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 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/20151019/278052LOGO )

SOURCE: Merck