James Armitage, M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center lymphoma
expert and Joe Shapiro Professor of Medicine, has joined the Roche Foundation
for Anemia Research (RoFAR) as a member of the board of trustees. The foundation
is a new international charitable organization that encourages innovative
research in anemia.
Incorporated in Switzerland, the foundation was established with an
initial commitment from Roche of about $13.5 million over the first four
years. The other seven board of trustees members are: Nathan Levin, M.D.,
U.S. (chair); Charles Herzog, U.S.; Adeera Levin, Canada; Jean Francois
Morere, France; Neil Powe, U.S.; Eberhard Ritz, Germany; and Lars Birgerson,
U.S.
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. is the U.S. prescription drug unit of the Roche
Group, a leading research-based health care enterprise that ranks among
the world’s leaders in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
Anemia is one of the most common pathological states, Dr. Armitage
said. Its not a disease. Its a condition. There are many causes of anemia.
To better understand anemia is important to help people. Research could
ultimately make life better for a lot of people. Cancer patients also are
affected by anemia.
Anemia occurs when erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells,
is disturbed. Diseases of the kidney often result in impaired production
of red blood cells leading to anemia. Anemia in cancer patients may be
related to the disease itself or the effect of concomitant chemotherapy.
One of the most common symptoms of anemia is fatigue. In some cases, anemia
can be life-threatening.
William M. Burns, head of Roche’s Pharmaceutical Division, said Roche
currently markets NeoRecormon, the leading anemia therapy in Europe and
is developing CERA, the first continuous erythopoiesis receptor activator
for global commercialization. We are committed to improve outcomes for
anemia patients. This cannot be addressed by the pharmaceutical industry
alone, but needs the collaboration of academia and practicing physicians.
“RoFAR will stimulate new research in anemia, said Dr. Levin, medical
& research director, Renal Research Institute, New York, and chairman
of the RoFAR board of trustees. Anemia can be a serious complication for
many renal and oncology patients and I hope that physicians and researchers
around the world will seize the opportunity that RoFAR offers to become
involved in research that will help to improve our understanding of this
debilitating condition.
Established members of academic staff at universities, dialysis
centers and research institutes are invited to apply to RoFAR for funding
in areas associated with the study of anemia related to kidney disease
and oncology; anemia of chronic disease; anemia related to congestive heart
failure and stroke; and the effects of erythropoetic drugs on endothelium
and the brain.
The first round of awards will be announced in December in San Diego
at the American Society of Hematology Meeting.