Philipp E. Scherer, PhD, Receives American Diabetes Association's Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement

-- Scherer to be Presented with Award at World's Largest Diabetes Meeting --

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Apr 29, 2015, 09:00 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Diabetes Association will award the prestigious Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement to Philipp E. Scherer, PhD. This award for scientific excellence recognizes significant, long-term contributions to the understanding, treatment or prevention of diabetes. Dr. Scherer will be recognized with this honor at the Association's 75^th Scientific Sessions^®, taking place June 5-9, 2015, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston.

Currently Professor and Director of the Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Scherer is known for the discovery of adiponectin and for defining its physiologic roles. Adipose tissue had previously been considered simply as a storage depot for triglycerides, but Dr. Scherer's studies using cell biological and biochemical approaches, as well as mouse genetics, revealed that adipose tissue is, in fact, a highly responsive endocrine organ that plays a crucial role in metabolism and inflammation. These discoveries, combined with innovative methods he developed to study the individual contributions of specific cells to regulation of metabolism, have defined Dr. Scherer as one of the most noteworthy and creative scientists in the field.

Dr. Scherer's seminal work has demonstrated an initially protective role for obesity, keeping excess lipid in adipocytes and out of the non-adipocyte tissues, which are not designed to store fat. His innovative contributions have been described in more than 320 publications, some of which have been cited more than 1,000 times, and comprise a comprehensive characterization of adipose tissue physiology.

Dr. Scherer will present the Banting Lecture, "The Multifaceted Roles of Adipose Tissue—Therapeutic Targets for Diabetes and Beyond" on Sunday, June 7, 2015.

More than 14,000 top scientists, physicians and other health care professionals from around the world will share the latest cutting-edge research and learn the most up-to-date information on prevention, treatment and care, at the Association's Scientific Sessions.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes^® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association