Pfizer and the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD) announced, at the EASD Annual Meeting, the development of a new awards programme which will provide research grants to support European research around understanding and reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes.

Grants will be awarded for, but not limited to, research focusing on fostering a clearer understanding of the best cardiovascular risk-reduction strategies, such as educational programmes, risk- assessment tools, screenings and clinical interventions.

"Pfizer is proud to partner with the EFSD on this new research initiative," said Dr. Lance Berman, senior medical director, Pfizer. "As part of our commitment to the care of patients with diabetes, Pfizer is dedicated to supporting research that will help identify ways to reduce these risks, further our understanding of optimal treatment options, and ultimately improve the lives of the people with diabetes."

Researchers who are interested in applying for a grant through this new program will be able to submit applications beginning in January 2008. Specific instructions for how to apply will be published in an upcoming issue of Diabetologia, the journal of the EASD, and will also be available on the Pfizer and EFSD websites. The deadline for submissions is March 2008 and recipients of the grants will be announced in June 2008.

"We are excited about this new grant program and partnership with Pfizer," said Professor Philippe Halban, EFSD chairman. "While the EFSD has several different grant programs, this is the first research program partnership to focus on understanding and reducing cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes. This will help the medical community better understand how to prevent the devastating effects that cardiovascular disease has on the lives of the people with diabetes."

Diabetes currently affects an estimated 230 million people worldwide. The most life-threatening consequences of diabetes are heart disease and stroke, with more than 65 per cent of deaths in people with diabetes being attributed to heart and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, more than twice as many people with diabetes suffer from heart disease compared to those without diabetes.