The Society for Reproductive Investigation and Bayer Announce Discovery and Innovation Grant Recipients

Grants advance women's health research in uterine fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian health

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Mar 08, 2018, 08:48 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) and Bayer today announced the recipients of new research grants made possible by support from Bayer, in three critical areas of women's health: uterine fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian health. The SRI-Bayer Discovery and Innovation Grants Program supports research initiatives within SRI to advance scientific understanding and address unmet medical needs in women's health.

This year's seven grant recipients will receive a combined total of $105,000 to be awarded at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Investigation on March 8, 2018 in San Diego, Calif. The awardees will apply their grants toward research in uterine fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

"Research in these areas of reproductive health will help expand our understanding of these diseases and provide women with better treatment options," said Sandra T. Davidge, PhD, president of SRI. "The Society for Reproductive Investigation and Bayer are committed to furthering reproductive health research for the medical community and patients they serve."

"We are pleased to partner with leading research organizations like SRI to advance medical innovation in key areas of unmet need, furthering our commitment to women's health," said Karl Ziegelbauer, PhD, senior vice president and head of therapeutic research groups in Research & Development at Bayer AG's Pharmaceuticals Division. "This grants program demonstrates Bayer's approach to work closely with our partners to advance our understanding of these medical conditions and to jointly develop patient treatments, faster."

The awardees are:

Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous tumors in women of reproductive age and can cause serious symptoms such as infertility, painful intercourse or miscarriages. Despite their prevalence, the cause of fibroids is not known.

Dr. Amanda Patterson, PhD, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine

Endometriosis: About one in 10 women will suffer from endometriosis during their reproductive years and experience symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite extensive endometriosis related research, the disease remains an unsolved puzzle.

Dr. Valerie A. Flores, Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Niraj Joshi, PhD, Michigan State University
Dr. Jennifer Knudtson, University of Texas Health & Science Center at San Antonio
Dr. Elliott Richards, Cleveland Clinic

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common gynecological issue that affects about one in 10 women of reproductive age and can cause excessive hair growth, irregular periods or difficulty getting pregnant. The exact causes of PCOS are unknown. Current therapies can cause severe side effects, necessitating the need for nutraceutical use.

Dr. Enitome E. Bafor, University of Benin, Nigeria
Dr. Erkan Buyuk, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.us.

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The Society for Reproductive Investigation
The mission of the Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) is to advance reproductive and women's health care through outstanding basic, translational, and clinical science and by training and mentoring future generations of investigators. For more information, visit http://www.sri-online.org/.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Chang
Senior Manager, R & D Communications, Bayer
(510) 705-4041
[email protected]

Anne N. Krolikowski, CAE
Executive Director, SRI
(414) 918-9888
[email protected]

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