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