 |
|
|
PHRI Press Releases August 18, 2006 Hamilton, ONTARIO (August 17, 2006) – A major Canadian-led global study has found all forms of tobacco exposure, whether that be smoking, chewing or inhaling second hand smoke, increase the risk of heart attack. The study by professors Salim Yusuf and Koon Teo of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, is published in this week's issue of the The Lancet. In collaboration with colleagues from 52 countries, they calculated the risk of heart attack for various forms of active tobacco use (both smoking and non-smoking) and second hand smoking in all areas of the world. The INTERHEART study included data from more than 27,000 people in 52 countries. In their calculations, the investigators accounted for other lifestyle factors that could affect the heart attack risk, such as diet and age. They found that tobacco use in any form, including sheesha smoking popular in the Middle East and beedie smoking common in South Asia, was harmful. Compared to people who had never smoked, smokers had a three-fold increased risk of a heart attack. Even those with relatively low levels of exposure of eight to 10 cigarettes a day doubled their risk of heart attack. Each cigarette smoked per day, increased the risk by 5.6 per cent. However, the researchers did find that the risk of heart attack decreased with time after stopping smoking. Light smokers, those who consume fewer than 10 cigarettes a day, benefit the most. They have no excess risk three to five years after quitting. By contrast, moderate and heavy smokers of 20 or more cigarettes a day still had an excess risk of around 22 per cent, 20 years after quitting. The team also found that exposure to second hand smoke increased the risk of heart attack in both former and non-smokers. The findings suggest that individuals with the highest levels of exposure to second hand smoke of 22 hours or more per week may increase their risk of heart attack by around 45%. “Chewing tobacco also increased the risk of a heart attack two fold, indicating that all forms of tobacco use or exposure are harmful,” said Dr. Koon Teo. Dr. Yusuf said: “Since the risks of heart attack associated with smoking dissipate substantially after smoking cessation, public-health efforts to prevent people from starting the habit, and promote quitting in current smokers, will have a large impact in prevention of heart attack worldwide.” The number of smokers worldwide is currently estimated to be 1.3 billion, of which 82% are in developing countries. However, most large studies on smoking and heart disease to date have focused on developed countries. The INTERHEART study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and 37 funding sources, including unrestricted support from several pharmaceutical companies. The study was endorsed by the World Health Organization, the World Heart Federation and the International Clinical Epidemiology Network . “Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death, killing 47,000 Canadians each year through direct smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke,” said Rocco Rossi, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. “We have been a successful advocate for a smoke free Ontario and have achieved one of the strongest pieces of anti-tobacco legislation in North America. This study provides more evidence why it’s critical for everyone to become and remain smoke free, and will encourage governments to take effective action to protect their people from the dangers of tobacco.” “People around the world should pay attention to the message that it’s never too late to quit. This is an important study documenting the powerful and persistent dangers of tobacco use worldwide,” said Dr. Peter Liu, scientific director for CIHR’s Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH). “Canadians can be proud that we lead the world in efforts to prevent and reverse the trend in smoking. But we cannot rest on our laurels, and must do better still to protect our citizens.” “Data like this bolsters anti-smoking efforts worldwide,” said Dr. Jennifer Everson, a family physician and vice president, medical at Hamilton Health Sciences. “It’s important, additional evidence that we can share with our patients to help them make choices that could save their lives.”
March 14 , 2006
International trial finds new therapy is effective and safe therapy The OASIS-6 randomized trial, presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Atlanta, U.S. today, showed that in patients experiencing a major heart attack fondaparinux (Arixtra TM), a novel antithrombotic therapy, was effective at lowering death and repeat heart attacks without increasing the risk of bleeding. This effect is unique as, until now, all available antithrombotic drugs used for the treatments of heart attacks have increased bleeding. Patients in the study were receiving aspirin, other antiplatelet drugs (such as clopidogrel) or clot dissolving (thrombolytic therapy) treatments. All benefited. However, some patients who also underwent angioplasty as initial treatment for their heart attacks did not. The four-year study involving more than 12,000 patients showed that the risk of deaths and heart attacks were reduced by one-sixth. This means that treating 1,000 patients for eight days would prevent about 15 to 20 individuals from suffering a new heart attack or dying. The study was presented today at the scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology in Atlanta by Dr. Salim Yusuf and Dr. Shamir Mehta. The study will be posted online in the Journal of the American Medical Association this week. Dr. Yusuf is a professor of medicine at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, director of the Population Health Research Institute and holds an endowed chair of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Dr. Mehta is an associate professor of medicine at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, a member of the Population Health Research Institute and a clinical scientist with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. “These results are close on the heels of the OASIS-5 study that demonstrated the benefits of fondaparinux compared to enoxaparin, which is commonly used in patients with non-ST elevation MI,” Dr. Yusuf said. These results were presented last September at the European Society of Cardiology in Stockholm and are published this week online in The New England Journal of Medicine. “The results of the two trials together clearly establish fondaparinux as an attractive therapeutic option in a broad range of high risk patients with heart attacks or unstable angina,” Dr. Yusuf said. “The lack of excess bleeding in these extensive studies is remarkable and unique among antithrombotic agents,” Dr. Mehta said. “We have finally found a treatment that saves lives but does not increase bleeding. This is important for all patients, but especially in the frail and the elderly.” Dr. Mehta noted that previous studies showed that fondaparinux was effective in preventing blood clots after major orthopedic surgery and now the OASIS-5 and OASIS-6 studies have established the superiority of fondaparinux as an effective anticlotting agent in multiple conditions. The OASIS-5/MICHELANGELO study was supported by grants from Sanofi-Synthelabo, Organon, and GlaxoSmithKline. The OASIS network is led by researchers in the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences and is an international collaboration of investigators who have completed some of the largest and most influential trials in heart disease that have contributed to enhanced patient care worldwide. Experts at the Population Health Research Institute of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences are recognized internationally for their leading edge research, innovation, and excellence in cardiovascular sciences and thrombosis.
Veronica McGuire ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 4, 2005 Obesity measure should be redefined to accurately assess heart attack risk HAMILTON, ONTARIO (November 3, 2005)—Waist-to-hip ratio, not body mass index (BMI), is the best obesity measure for assessing a person’s risk of heart attack, concludes a global study published in this week’s issue of The Lancet. If obesity is redefined using waist-to-hip ratio instead of BMI the proportion of people at risk of heart attack increases by threefold, calculate the authors. Previous research has shown that obesity increases the risk of heart disease. However, these studies have mainly been done in populations of European and North American origin. The evidence for other populations is therefore sparse. In the latest study, Dr. Salim Yusuf, director of the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, and colleagues aimed to assess whether other markers for obesity, especially waist-to-hip ratio, would be a stronger predictor of heart attack than the conventional measure of BMI in different ethnic populations. The investigators looked at BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, waist measure, and hip measure in more than 27,000 people from 52 countries. Half the participants had previously had a heart attack and half were age and sex-matched controls (individuals who had not had a heart attack and were the same age and sex as cases). The team found that BMI was only slightly higher in heart attack patients than in controls, with no difference in the Middle East and South Asia. By contrast, heart attack patients had a strikingly higher waist-to-hip ratio than controls, irrespective of other cardiovascular risk factors. The researchers found that this observation was consistent in men and women, across all ages, and in all regions of the world. The authors’ state that compared with BMI, waist-to-hip ratio is three times stronger than BMI in predicting the risk of a heart attack. Larger waist size (which reflects the amount of abdominal fat) was harmful, whereas larger hip size (which may indicate the amount of lower body muscle) was protective. The waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing the waist measure by the hip measure. The cut off point for cardiovascular risk factors is less than 0.85 for women and 0.90 for men. Dr. Yusuf concludes: “Our findings suggest that substantial reassessment is needed of the importance of obesity for cardiovascular disease in most regions of the world.” Dr. Yusuf is a professor of medicine of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, a cardiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences. He also holds the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario Chair in Cardiology at McMaster University. The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and 37 other funding sources, including unrestricted support from several pharmaceutical companies. In an accompanying published comment Charlotte Krageland of the University of Oslo, Norway states: “The main message from the new report is that current practice with body mass index as the measure of obesity is obsolete. For the assessment of risk associated with obesity, the waist-to-hip ratio, and not the body mass index, is the preferred simple measure.” Dr. John Kelton, dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and dean and vice-president, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, said: “The results of this study will change, on an international scope, how we evaluate patients’ risks for heart disease. Being able to easily identify the risk will have a beneficial effect on awareness and treatment.” Dr. Alan Bernstein, president of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, said: “We’ve long been aware of the link of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Thanks to the research conducted by Dr. Yusuf, we now have a better understanding of the risk related to obesity which can lead to more effective health interventions. Murray Martin, President and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences, said: "Part of our mission as a teaching hospital is to advance health care through education and research. Dr. Yusuf's commitment to finding answers to important heart health questions that affect people around the world exemplifies the leadership we embrace at Hamilton Health Sciences.” Contact information: Susan Emigh, McMaster University Marie-France Poirier, Media Relations, Canadian Institutes of Health Research Shelly Easton, Hamilton Health Sciences Sharon Edwards, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 6, 2005 Part of drug trial for patients with atrial fibrillation discontinued ACTIVE-A and ACTIVE-I to continue Hamilton, Ontario, Canada - Study treatments for the ACTIVE W trial of the ACTIVE (Atrial Fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial with Irbesartan for Prevention of Vascular Events) program have been discontinued due to a significant difference in efficacy, in favour of the standard oral anticoagulation (OAC) over antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel plus aspirin). The ACTIVE trial, the largest randomised international trial program ever conducted in atrial fibrillation (AF), was designed to respond to a largely unmet medical need in the treatment of patients with AF, who are at an increased risk of life-threatening vascular events such as stroke, myocardial infarction and death. The board also recommended two other trials of the ACTIVE program be continued. The study’s steering committee agreed with the recommendation to discontinue study treatments for ACTIVE W, and endorsed the recommendation to continue the ACTIVE A ( clopidogrel compared with ASA alone), and ACTIVE I ( irbesartan to placebo in addition to usual blood pressure lowering therapy). “In the ACTIVE W trial, most of the patients had been receiving OAC prior to entry into the trial,” said SalimYusuf, PhD, chairman of the steering committee for the ACTIVE trial program. “These patients achieved high levels of compliance to OAC in the recommended therapeutic range. In the ACTIVE-W trial, a clear benefit in favour of OAC was evident.” Stuart Connolly, MD, principal investigator of the program, emphasized that: “It is important to continue the ACTIVE A and ACTIVE I parts of the study program to evaluate the potential role which clopidogrel can play in the management of atrial fibrillation patients who are intolerant to oral anticoagulants, and to understand the role of irbesartan in patients with atrial fibrillation.” Clinical guidelines recommend the use of OAC therapy for most patients with atrial fibrillation in order to prevent embolic events. However, OAC therapy is associated with a narrow therapeutic window, requires regular monitoring and is contraindicated in some patients. Aspirin is an option in patients who cannot tolerate OACs. The ACTIVE trial programme is designed to evaluate the appropriate place of clopidogrel plus aspirin in the prevention of embolic events in atrial fibrillation patients. ACTIVE is a phase III multicenter, multinational clinical development program that includes three trials. In ACTIVE A, clopidogrel plus aspirin is compared with aspirin alone in patients who have a contraindication for OACs or are unwilling to take an OAC, with the hypothesis that clopidogrel plus aspirin would be superior to aspirin. ACTIVE I is evaluating whether the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, irbesartan, is superior to placebo (in addition to usual blood pressure lowering therapy) in preventing vascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation. The ACTIVE trial program is being conducted at more than 600 sites worldwide in 30 countries. Atrial fibrillation is the most common chronic cardiac rhythm disturbance and it is responsible for a substantial amount of morbidity, disability and mortality in the general population. The ACTIVE study is is supported by a grant from Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Veronica McGuire , Coordinator, Media and Community Relations, McMaster University , Faculty of Health Sciences, 1200 Main Street West, HSC-2E4, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5, 905-525-9140, ext. 22169 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 6, 2005 Showing Sustained Effect of ALTACE(R) in Reducing Risk of Cardiovascular Events Source: PR Newswire Date: September 06, 2005 BRISTOL , Tenn. , Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: KG) today reported the publication of the results of the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation - The Ongoing Outcomes ("HOPE-TOO"). The HOPE- TOO results are published in an article entitled "Long-Term Effects of Ramipril on Cardiovascular Events and on Diabetes" which appears in the August 30, 2005 issue of Circulation, a publication of the American Heart Association. After seven years of patient follow-up, the HOPE-TOO trial demonstrates the sustained effect of ALTACE(R) ("ramipril"), an angiotensin converting enzyme ("ACE") inhibitor, on reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and sustained vascular and metabolic benefits for patients treated with ramipril. The authors of the article also concluded that the data indicated that a patient's earlier use of ramipril therapy provided a longer-term protective effect compared with the later initiation of such therapy. These benefits were consistent regardless of patient risk or ancillary treatments. Prior to HOPE-TOO, the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation ("HOPE") trial demonstrated that ramipril reduced the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death from cardiovascular causes in high risk patients 55 years of age or older. The main objective of the HOPE-TOO trial was to evaluate whether the reduction in risk of major cardiovascular events and of new diagnosis of diabetes in patients treated with ramipril during the HOPE trial was maintained with a longer duration of observation. Charles L. Pamplin, III, M.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs of King stated, "We are very pleased with the results of the HOPE-TOO study which add to the extensive clinical data for our leading product ALTACE. The HOPE-TOO data emphasizes the importance of patients continuing their ALTACE therapy due to the sustained effect in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality." Dr. Pamplin continued, "The HOPE-TOO results also validate the importance of initiating early treatment and the need for continued study of the possible revascularization and metabolic benefits of ALTACE. The currently ongoing Diabetes REduction Assessment with ramipril and rosiglitazone Medication ("DREAM") trial, a large, international, multicenter, randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled trial, should determine if ALTACE and/or rosiglitazone reduce the risk for onset of Type II diabetes." The HOPE-TOO trial was conducted by the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Jackie Bosch, project manager and assistant clinical professor at McMaster University said, "Not only were the benefits of ramipril sustained, but the benefits in reducing heart attacks and mortality were further enhanced." Dr. Salim Yusuf, co-principal investigator and professor of medicine at McMaster University, said the additional study period was beneficial. "This extension emphasizes that to understand the full benefits or full harm from various prevention or treatment strategies often requires extended observation of patients for several years after the end of trials. The HOPE-TOO results confirm the sustained value of ramipril." The Population Health Research Institute conducts research internationally in the areas of prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is currently conducting studies in 66 countries at over 800 study centers. The HOPE and HOPE-TOO studies were supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, the Natural Source Vitamin E Association, Astra- Zeneca, King Pharmaceuticals and NEGMA. The investigational DREAM trial is being coordinated by the Canadian Cardiovascular Collaboration based at McMaster University, and is jointly funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, King Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi-Aventis, Glaxo SmithKline, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. The study commenced in July 2001 and has completed randomization of 5,269 pre-diabetic patients with impaired glucose tolerance at 191 study centers in 21 countries worldwide. The completion of the trial is scheduled for 2006. About ALTACE ALTACE is marketed by Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in the United States and Puerto Rico pursuant to a co-promotion agreement. ALTACE is the leading branded ACE inhibitor with a broad spectrum of indications. ALTACE is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. ALTACE has also been shown to reduce the risk of death in stable patients who have demonstrated clinical signs of congestive heart failure within the first few days after sustaining acute myocardial infarction. Based upon the results of the landmark HOPE trial, ALTACE is also indicated in patients 55 years or older at high risk of developing a major cardiovascular event either because of a history of coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease or because of diabetes that is accompanied by at least one other cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, elevated total cholesterol levels, low HDL levels, cigarette smoking, or documented microalbuminuria), to reduce the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death from cardiovascular causes. ALTACE can be used in addition to other needed treatments (such as antihypertensive, antiplatelet or lipid-lowering therapies). Prescription ALTACE is not for everyone. ALTACE may cause swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which could cause extremely serious risk and requires immediate medical care. ALTACE may lower blood sugar if taken for diabetes. A physician should be contacted if one experiences symptoms of low blood sugar such as sweating or shakiness. Common side effects include persistent dry cough, dizziness, and light-headedness due to low blood pressure. ALTACE should not be taken during pregnancy, as death or injury to an unborn child may result, or if serious side effects related to previous ACE inhibitors have occurred. For a copy of the ALTACE prescribing information, please visit http://www.altace.com . About King Pharmaceuticals King, headquartered in Bristol, Tennessee, is a vertically integrated branded pharmaceutical company. King, an S&P 500 Index company, seeks to capitalize on opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry through the development, including through in-licensing arrangements and acquisitions, of novel branded prescription pharmaceutical products in attractive markets and the strategic acquisition of branded products that can benefit from focused promotion and marketing and product life-cycle management. SOURCE King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CONTACT: James E. Green, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, +1-423-989-8125, or David E. Robinson, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, +1-423-989-7045, both of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Copyright (c) 2005 PR Newswire -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 5, 2005 World’s largest study on acute coronary syndromes shows new anti-thrombotic therapy effective, safer for patients Hamilton, ON (September 5, 2005) – A Canadian-led study involving researchers from 41 countries has demonstrated in the world’s largest study of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) that a new anti-thrombotic therapy is safer and as effective as the traditional therapy used in preventing heart attacks, death and ischemia in people with serious heart conditions. The OASIS-5/MICHELANGELO study, presented today at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, showed that fondaparinux, a new anti-thrombotic therapy, was as effective as enoxaparin in preventing heart attacks, death and ischemia (reduction in blood supply to the tissues) at nine days after an event but demonstrated a dramatic reduction in major bleeding. The study indicated patients had a lower mortality rate at the one-month mark after an acute coronary event. This finding remained consistent throughout the following six months of follow-up. These favourable effects resulted in a clear net benefit in favour of fondaparinux throughout the study, said Dr. Salim Yusuf, principal investigator and chair of the international study. “The study findings demonstrate that fondaparinux is likely the anti-thrombotic drug of choice in patients with acute coronary syndromes who are already receiving aspirin and clopidogrel,” said Dr. Yusuf, professor of medicine in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University and director of the Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. “This is the first study in ACS patients that demonstrates that effective prevention of thrombotic events can be combined with a safer drug profile.” The OASIS-5/MICHELANGELO study was a multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving more than 20,000 patients and was conducted at 576 sites in 41 countries. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux, a synthetic drug that acts specifically during the earlier part of the clotting cascade, with enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin that is commonly used as an anti-thrombotic therapy. Previous studies have indicated that patients who experience a major bleed in acute coronary syndromes exhibit a much higher risk of death during the immediate weeks following the event. Anti-thrombotic therapies used in the last two decades have substantially decreased the risk of a heart attack but have also been associated with a significant increase in bleeding risks. Therefore, therapies that maintain the benefits of currently available anti-thrombotic therapies, but have less bleeding, are of great clinical importance, Dr. Yusuf said. Dr. Shamir R. Mehta, project director of the international study, associate professor of medicine in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University and an interventional cardiologist at Hamilton Health Sciences, remarked: “The fact that the benefits and safety of fondaparinux are observed on top of other effective treatments, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors and revascularization procedures, emphasizes its value in a broad spectrum of patients with acute coronary syndromes.” Professor Keith Fox, professor of cardiology at the University of Edinburgh and co-chair of the study’s operation committee, added: “This study demonstrates that improving the safety of therapy leads to enhanced long-term survival for patients.” Dr. Yusuf noted that previous studies showed that fondaparinux was superior in preventing deep venous thrombosis when compared to enoxaparin. “The current findings extend the beneficial results from the venous side to high-risk individuals with atherothrombosis,” he added. The OASIS-5/MICHELANGELO study was supported by grants from Sanofi-Synthelabo, Organon, and Glaxo-Smith Kline. The OASIS network is led by researchers in the Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences and is an international collaboration of investigators who have completed some of the largest and most influential trials in heart disease that have contributed to enhanced patient care worldwide. The Canadian Cardiovascular Collaboration Office is located at the Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences and is one of Canada’s leading research institutions. The experts at this institution are recognized internationally for their leading edge research, innovation, and excellence in cardiovascular sciences and thrombosis. NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, please contact: On Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5: -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Press Release from McMaster University Sonia Anand appointed Eli Lilly Canada - May Cohen Chair in Women's Health by Veronica Billard First published on February 26, 2002 at 03:00 PM. Last modified on March 21, 2002 at 10:53 AMSonia Anand, an assistant professor of medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been named to an endowed chair in women's health. The chair is called the Eli Lilly Canada - May Cohen Chair in Women's Health. In her current research, Anand looks at the causes of cardiovascular disease in various ethnic groups, including aboriginal people, and the evaluation of antithrombotic therapies used in preventing further cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks). She is the recipient of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Clinician-Scientist Award (1998-present). Anand is an associate editor of thrombosis research and is on the editorial board of Vascular Medicine, and section editor of Vascular Viewpoint. She has been a co-investigator in many research studies and her articles have been published in many peer-reviewed journals. The formation of the Eli Lilly Canada - May Cohen Chair in Women's Health was announced in June 2000. The chairholder will conduct epidemiological research and clinical trials that address the determinants and prevalence of women's health problems as they relate to vascular diseases.Eli Lilly Canada is supporting the chair with a $1 million contribution over five years. Funding has also come from McMaster University, with additional support from the Population Health Research Institute, directed by Salim Yusuf. As the chairholder, Anand will develop policy recommendations from the research findings and educate both the public and health care professionals on women's health. "Dr. Anand is an excellent scientist and truly a rising star internationally in the area of cardiovascular medicine and population-based epidemiology," said John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences. "We are pleased to be able to recognize her important work with this appointment. Her research and methodologic expertise will allow her to create a program of study and facilitate clinical trials that will address issues affecting women's health." The chair is named in honour of May Cohen, a former associate dean and professor in McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. Cohen has long been recognized for her leadership and contributions in the field of women's health. Among other accomplishments, Cohen served as chair of the Canadian Medical Association gender issues committee and as president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada. She has received many awards for her work, including the American Association of Medical Colleges Women in Medicine Program's Leadership Development Award. "As a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Lilly has long recognized the uniqueness of women's health," said Joerg Rustige, vice-president of research and development at Eli Lilly Canada Inc. "We are dedicated to the preservation of women's health by helping women live longer, healthier, more active lives with innovative health care solutions. We are committed to establishing relationships with world class organizations such as McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and applaud its choice of Dr. Sonia Anand as holder of the Eli Lilly Canada - May Cohen Chair in Women's Health. |
PHRI, McMaster Clinic, Hamilton General Hospital, 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8L 2X2
