I thought for those who were interested in the recent asthma study in the
Lancet might be interested in this news release that GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
recently invested $1 million in McMaster University to establish a research
chair in pediatric asthma at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. What a coincidence that
Malcolm Sears lead author for the study that shows that breastfeeding is a
risk for asthma is employed at that very same Institute in Hamilton Ontario.
What a small world. Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC
http://www.ths.mcmaster.ca/pubrel/gsk.htm
HAMILTON – (June 18, 2002) – GlaxoSmithKline Inc. today announced a $1
million investment to establish a McMaster University Research Chair in
pediatric asthma at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph
’s Healthcare Hamilton. The creation of this Chair is part of the
GlaxoSmithKline Pathfinders Fund for Leaders in Canadian Health Science
Research, a $10 million initiative to help fight the brain drain in Canada by
providing opportunities for leading medical researchers and scientists. The
GlaxoSmithKline Chair in Pediatric Asthma will enable the Firestone Institute
to create a permanent position, allowing the recipient to conduct research
that will improve the understanding of this chronic disease and potentially
lead to pioneering new treatments for Canadian children with asthma. “This is
an important research investment into a disease that has a tremendous impact
on all segments of the population, but especially children,” said Paul Lucas,
President and CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. “As a company, we have been a
leader in the treatment of asthma for more than 30 years, working with
organizations like the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health to improve
the understanding and management of asthma in Canada. This investment is part
of our longstanding commitment to asthma research.” “The work being done in
the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University rivals any in Canada,
and this Chair will expand that reputation,” said Dr. Peter George, President
of McMaster University. “It will allow us to continue to attract leading
scientists and provide an enriching environment to encourage world-class
research, and also affirms our strong partnership with St. Joseph's
Healthcare and the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health.” Asthma is a
chronic lung disease resulting in recurrent attacks of breathlessness,
generally accompanied by wheezing, chest tightness and/or coughing. The
disease affects more than 2 million Canadians, including an estimated 10 to
15 per cent of Canada’s children. In Canada, asthma is among the most common
causes of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and unscheduled doctor
visits. It is also the most common reason that children miss school.
Approximately 450 Canadians die each year from asthma, and it is estimated
that more than 80 per cent of these deaths could be prevented with proper
asthma education and treatment. “This Research Chair recognizes the role of
the Firestone Institute in providing leading-edge research into asthma and
other respiratory diseases,” said Dr. Paul O’Byrne, Director of the
Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health and Head of the Division of
Respiratory Medicine at McMaster University. “The investment will enable the
future recipient of this Research Chair to establish a world-class centre for
the study of pediatric asthma.” “Asthma has a tremendous impact on both
children and their families, and is a leading cause of hospitalization for
children,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Healthcare. “
The focus of this Chair in pediatric asthma will further enhance the
leadership of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health and lead to
important advancements in our knowledge and understanding of this
debilitating disease.” The Research Chair has been established through
GlaxoSmithKine’s Pathfinders Fund for Leaders in Canadian Health Science
Research. In the past two years, chairs and professorships have been
appointed at Canadian research institutes in areas including genetics,
stroke, and the diseases of aging. The Pathfinders Fund also supports a
Research Chair in Gastroenterology at McMaster University. “We are excited
about supporting pioneering research at McMaster University as part of our
efforts to fight disease and save lives,” said Dr. Anne Phillips,
GlaxoSmithKline’s Vice President of Research & Development. “This donation
is part of the Pathfinders Fund, established to create research positions in
all Canadian medical schools and to encourage researchers and scientists to
conduct their important discovery work in Canada.” About The Partners The
Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health was one of Canada’s first
initiatives in which a hospital and a university developed a major ambulatory
care model for out-of-hospital investigation and treatment of patients with
lung disease. This model is still in use today where Firestone’s clinicians
and allied health professionals are working to advance research that will
eventually lead to innovations in the care and treatment of lung disease. In
addition to focusing on research and teaching, more than 21,000 patients
visit the Firestone Institute’s clinics each year for leading-edge care. The
Firestone Institute is part of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, a 600-plus
acute care, teaching and research hospital affiliated with the Faculty of
Health Sciences at McMaster University and Mohawk College. The Faculty of
Health Sciences at McMaster University is one of the leading research
institutes in the world. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, the Faculty is
internationally recognized for its innovative approach to health care
education, evidence-based medicine, and clinical, basic and genomic research.
GlaxoSmithKline Inc. – one of the world's leading research-based
pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the
quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live
longer. In Canada, GlaxoSmithKline employs more than 1,800 people and is a
top 20 investor in Canadian research and development, contributing more than
$100 million annually. The company is also one of the top 10 corporate
charitable donors, investing more than $6.5 million annually and is
recognized as one of the 50 best companies to work for in Canada
***********************************************
To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|