Sixteen winners from eight countries were awarded research grants of more than US$ 2 million under the global Bayer Hemophilia Awards Program (BHAP). The grants will support research into a broad range of projects, including anxiety among female carriers of Haemophilia, Factor VIII splicing-switching molecules for tailored Haemophilia A therapies, and the assessment of therapeutic relationships in Hemophilia care.
Two Indian researchers were among the BHAP award winners, announced at the ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis) Congress held recently in Berlin, Germany.
B.Sulochana from the Manipal College of Nursing was awarded for her research focusing on anxiety, stress and coping strategies and lived experiences among women carriers of Haemophilia. The second awardee from India, Cilla Joseph from the Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Kochi was awarded for her research which focused on Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy along with Ai Chi techniques for arthritic knee joint in Haemophilia patients.
“Since its inception in 2002, the Bayer Hemophilia Awards Program (BHAP) aims to support research that has the potential to have a significant impact on our understanding of haemophilia and bleeding disorders,” said Manoj Saxena, managing director – Bayer Zydus Pharma, India. “BHAP continues to be a tangible reflection of Bayer’s ongoing commitment to research and advancing scientific knowledge that improves patient care. We are proud to recognize and award these individuals for their talent, expertise and commitment in their fields.”
The largest programme of its kind in Haemophilia, BHAP provides valuable funds to support basic, clinical and outcome research, encourage recently qualified physicians to undertake further training in haemostasis and support projects undertaken by allied healthcare professionals such as nurses and physical therapists. Till date, BHAP has awarded more than 280 grants, totalling more than US$ 33 million, to researchers and caregivers from 32 countries around the world.
This year, awards were presented in five categories:
Special Projects: provides support for a wide range of scientific research in the field of haemophilia
Early Career Investigator: provides salary support and research funds for junior faculty members to undertake mentored and/or basic research projects
Fellowship Project: facilitates the development of specific clinical expertise for applicants who have completed medical training
Caregiver: recognizes the essential role of caregivers and allied health professionals
Outcomes Research: encourages the development of relevant tools for outcome assessment, or their validation and applications in different health care situations
Both the winners from India B. Sulochana and Cilla Joseph were recognized in the Caregiver category.
The BHAP award recipients are selected by a global panel of distinguished haemophilia clinicians, researchers and caregivers. Till date, BHAP support has contributed to more than 400 publications, poster presentations and other scientific communications by awardees.
Further information on the program can be found at www.bayer-hemophilia-awards.com