Alkermes issued the following announcement on May 4.
Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) today announced a new competitive awards program, the ALKERMES Pathways Research AwardsSM Program, which is designed to support the next generation of researchers who are working on the front lines to advance understanding and awareness of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In its inaugural year, the Pathways program will support research projects focused on helping those living with substance use disorders (SUD), including those relating to the use of opioids, alcohol, cannabis, and other SUDs. The application period is now open and will run through Aug. 5, 2018.
"With 20.2 million adults living with substance use disorders in 20161, and related mortality rates in the U.S. rising rapidly2, there is an urgent need to prioritize research that can help improve prevention, advance treatment and recovery, and increase awareness of these issues," said Craig Hopkinson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medicines Development and Medical Affairs at Alkermes. "Through the Pathways program, we are eager to provide the next generation of scientific and medical researchers with the resources they need to uncover new ways to address these challenges."
The annual Pathways program provides funding for up to four research projects with grant amounts of up to $100,000 per project. Pathways program grants will be awarded to junior investigators who have demonstrated their commitment to helping people living with SUDs. Qualifying junior investigators include M.D.s or Ph.D.s who are within five years of their initial academic appointment or are currently post-doctoral fellows. Eligible recipients must be affiliated with a non-profit academic or research institution within the U.S. Full eligibility criteria are available on the program website.
Submissions will be evaluated by an independent review committee comprised of specialists in psychiatry, neurobiology, pharmacology, and behavioral science from academic research centers that focus on SUDs. To qualify, projects must focus on at least one of the following areas: SUD treatment, management and prevention; SUD and its complications in special populations; basic, clinical and translational research related to SUDs; and health economics outcomes research related to SUDs.
"Addiction is a devastating disease that not only impacts the person living with the disorder but also family, friends and entire communities," said Thomas Kosten, M.D., Waggoner Chair and Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Immunology & Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine. "If our goal is to stem the tide of this epidemic, it is critical that we continue to explore and implement new approaches to combat this growing public health crisis."
The application process opened today and closes on Aug. 5, 2018. Grant recipients will be announced in December 2018. For more information on the Pathways program, including the application, submission instructions and evaluation criteria, visit www.PathwaysResearchAwards.com.
Original source can be found here.
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