New research award program established to further cardiovascular research in Canada

Pfizer Canada is proud to introduce the Pfizer CardioVascular Research Awards program to promote partnerships for better cardiovascular care in Canada.  The Awards program, announced today at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, will support a variety of initiatives, from traditional clinical trials, to smaller, often under-represented projects in Canadian research.  All proposals will be reviewed by an independent expert review committee which has been established to evaluate and grant the Awards.  This committee will be chaired by Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif, Director, Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Associate Professor of Medicine, Université de Montréal, and recipient of the Pfizer-Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair of Atherosclerosis.

As Chair of the independent review committee, Dr. Tardif’s responsibilities include, development of the criteria for grant selection; chairing the committee’s activities to review and award the grants; participation in developing opportunities to share the results of the research grants; and facilitation of the overall process.  “Canada has a long history and commitment to cardiovascular research.  It is an honour to be part of such a prestigious and valuable program.  In order to advance our understanding of the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, it is important for new researchers, as well as established experts, to have support for research projects and initiatives.  And, ultimately, it is the Canadian public that will benefit from this partnership for research and knowledge. I look forward to working with Pfizer Canada on this innovative project,” says Dr. Tardif. 

Pfizer Canada, a leader in cardiovascular research and development, is dedicated to partnering with, and supporting Canadian research.   The Pfizer CardioVascular Research Awards program is the most recent initiative in the company’s ongoing commitment to cardiovascular care in Canada.

“At Pfizer Canada, we believe in developing lasting partnerships and supporting research and programs that will benefit the Canadian medical community and public by furthering our understanding and management of cardiovascular diseases,” says Bernard Prigent, Medical Director and Vice President, Medical, Pfizer Canada.  “We look forward to working closely with the committee’s chair, Dr. Tardif, a Canadian cardiovascular authority from the Montreal Heart Institute and the University of Montreal.”

The Awards are open to all medical professionals interested in cardiovascular research, including physicians, academics and pharmacists.  Additional information about the awards, and how to submit proposals, can be found at www.PfizerCV.ca.  The deadline to submit proposals for the first Pfizer CardioVascular Research Awards is January 31, 2006.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN CANADA

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, account for the death of more than 70,000 Canadians per year.  Canadians run a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  Eight out of 10 individuals have one or more of the following risk factors – smoking, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes – and one in 10 have three or more.  As Canadians age, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases.  A leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease is the underlying cause of death in one out of three Canadians. 

ABOUT PFIZER CANADA INC.

Pfizer Canada is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical company.  Pfizer discovers and develops innovative prescription medicines for both humans and animals.  As a proud member of IMAGINE, Canada’s national program to promote corporate giving, volunteering and community support, Pfizer Canada provides financial support to over 1,000 not-for-profit organization across the country.  Pfizer Canada employs over 2,000 people and is headquartered in Kirkland, Quebec.