September 14, 2006 Source: :
http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/september2006/GSK-CIHR/ Dr. Richard Leigh named to the University of Calgary’s GSK-CIHR Professorship in Inflammatory Lung Disease Research focuses on the functional changes that occur with asthma and other chronic lung diseases What do elite athletes, preschool children and the cold virus have in common? All play key roles in Dr. Richard Leigh’s asthma research. Today, the Faculty of Medicine assistant professor in respiratory medicine was named to the UofC’s GSK-CIHR Professorship in Inflammatory Lung Disease. The professorship appointment, made possible thanks to a $1.25 million endowment from GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), $500,000 from Alberta Innovation & Science, and $230,000 from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), was announced today at the Faculty of Medicine’s Health Sciences Centre. "The professorship means a great deal for furthering excellence in research and education into chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)," said Dr. Grant Gall, dean, Faculty of Medicine. "Such collaborations mean the university can attract and retain the best and the brightest. I thank GSK, Alberta Innovation & Science, and CIHR for their ongoing commitment to research, and to respiratory medicine research." A large part of Leigh’s research looks at the possible contributors to airway remodeling, or the structural airway changes characteristic of inflammatory lung diseases. This has led to his examination of why remodeling occurs in elite athletes with no asthma; how the human rhinovirus (common cold) infects airway lining cells; and why most patients develop asthma before the age of six, and already show signs of airway remodeling, even at that young age. "We are proud to support this pioneering research at the University of Calgary and applaud the choice of Dr. Leigh as holder of this distinguished professorship," says Paul Lucas, president & CEO, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. "The need for continued research in the area of chronic lung diseases is critical. It is our hope that the knowledge gained through this partnership will further strengthen therapeutic success in the field of respiratory disease and improve health outcomes of the more than 3 million Canadians affected by these illnesses." "Lung diseases affect Canadians and the Canadian health care system", said Dr. Robert Sheldon, CIHR Governing Council Member. "The creation of this professorship demonstrates the important role of health research in educating Canadians on lung diseases and in identifying ways to reduce their impact on the quality of life of Canadians." Funding for the new GSK-CIHR Professorship in Inflammatory Lung Disease comes from the GlaxoSmithKline Pathfinders Fund for Leaders in Canadian Health Science Research, an initiative that encourages health science research and innovation in Canadian universities. CIHR’s contribution is made possible via the CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program. "Collaborations with industry, universities and research partners significantly increase the potential for medical breakthroughs that improve the quality of life for Albertans," said George VanderBurg, Minister of Government Services and Acting Minister of Innovation and Science. "This professorship will help to create a world-class research program in inflammatory lung disease, and attract outstanding students and researchers to Alberta." About Dr. Richard Leigh
Dr. Richard Leigh joined the Faculty of Medicine in 2004 as an assistant professor in the Division of Respiratory Medicine. He is a CIHR clinician scientist and AHFMR physician investigator and now also holds the GSK Professorship in Inflammatory Lung Disease. Leigh’s research has contributed to a greater understanding of the role airway inflammation in the pathophysiology of asthma, COPD and other inflammatory lung diseases. Most recently, his research has focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of airway remodeling, and how these remodeling changes relate functionally to airway hyperresponsiveness and airflow limitation in asthma. About the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care. About GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline Inc. – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and health-care companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. In Canada, GlaxoSmithKline is a top 20 investor in research and development, contributing more than $130 million annually. GSK is an Imagine Caring Company, and is recognized as one of the 50 best companies to work for in Canada. About Alberta Innovation & Science
Alberta Innovation and Science provides leadership and makes strategic investments in science and technology to help achieve sustainable long-term prosperity and an excellent quality of life for Albertans. Department priorities include expanding research capacity and scientific excellence, developing, attracting and retaining highly qualified people, and supporting initiatives to develop Alberta innovations into competitive products and services for world markets. About the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
CIHR is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/ About the CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program
CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program enables scientists, clinicians and members of the full spectrum of health professions, and Rx&D members to optimize opportunities in clinical research benefiting the health of Canadians. Rx&D
Canada's Rx&D is a national association representing over fifty research-based pharmaceutical companies in Canada. The mission of Rx&D is to improve the quality of life of all Canadians and enhance our health care system by fostering the discovery, development and availability of new medicines. www.canadapharma.org/ For more information, contact: Colleen Donahue
University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine
colleen.donahue@ucalgary.ca (403) 210-8522
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