Prix Galien USA, the highest industry accolade for pharmaceutical research and development, has added a new recognition category to its 2009 program — Best Medical Device. Online nominations for the 2009 Prix Galien USA are now being accepted at http://submission.prix-galien-usa.com through Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

For the first time, the Prix Galien USA will be awarded in three categories that offer broad implications for future biomedical research: Best Pharmaceutical Agent, Best Biotechnology Product and Best Medical Device. All pharmaceutical and biological drugs or devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for first or new indications between 1999 and 2008 are eligible for nomination in 2009. The new, decade-long eligibility period will permit the judges to determine both the immediate and the long-term impact these pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products and devices have had on human health and disease.

In 2008, the Prix Galien USA committee recognized winners Selzentry (Pfizer Inc.), Isentress (Merck & Co., Inc.), Soliris (Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), INFUSE (Wyeth) and Revlimid (The Celgene Corporation) for therapies that address pervasive illness and diseases.

The Prix Galien USA award recognizes the technical, scientific and clinical research skills necessary to develop innovative medicines. The award committee comprises 11 individuals including seven Nobel Laureates, founders of major biotech companies and editors of world-renowned biology journals. The 2009 Prix Galien USA award recipients will be honored at its annual gala event on September 30, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Winners of the 2009 awards will automatically be eligible for the 2010 International Prix Galien award.

Date: May 28, 2009
Source: Prix Galien USA