GERMAN
ENGLISHNews-Board-Eintrag:
Junior Research Prize 2009 for Neuromuscular Diseases is awarded
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| Authored by: | Roland Lenz |
| Date: | 2009-03-27 |
Temmler Pharma GmbH & Co. KG founds the Junior Research Prize of the German Society for Muscular Diseases e.V. (DGM) The Junior Research Prize has been awarded to Gabriela-Elena Oprea from the Institute for Human Genetics in Cologne, in line with the 19th Congress of the Scientific Advisory Council of the German Society for Muscular Diseases. Dr. Oprea received this award for her innovative discovery of a protective gene in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The €2,500 prize, which has already been awarded for six years, is funded by Temmler Pharma for the research of rare neuromuscular diseases. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is one of the most frequently occurring recessive, genetic diseases in human beings; characterized by the degeneration of the motor neurons in the spinal cord. This causes a symmetrical weakening of the muscles and atrophy of the leg, arm and eventually the entire torso musculature. This genetic disease has lead to early childhood death in many cases. Dr. Oprea’s extraordinary research has made it possible to identify a fully protective modified gene for an inherited disease for the first time. In addition, a significant contribution has been made to better understanding spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The discovery of a protective gene gives scientists and patients across the world hope that therapeutic treatments for this often deadly disease will soon be discovered. In the central nervous system sector, supplements for rare neurological diseases, such as Huntington’s disease and Myasthenia gravis, are sold alongside generics. By awarding the Junior Research Prize, Temmler Pharma is making a significant contribution to researching these and other diseases, which are often neglected due to the small number of patients affected by them. In 2010, scientists will also be able to apply for the prize. As well as this, external nominations are also possible. The assessment of the applications will be conducted by the board of the DGM. Please send applications to: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke e.V. Im Moos 4 79112 Freiburg  Image Captions: (from left to right) Dr. Bernhard Neundörfer, Dr. Gabriela-Elena Oprea, Prize Winner, Melanie Kornder, Product Manager Temmler Pharma, Dr. Reinhard Dengler, Hanover. |
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