On Sept. 12, 2012, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is cohosting a brand new national awards program at the Newseum in Washington, DC, to honor individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly to the advancement of patient care and medical innovation in the US. The new annual awards, called the Research and Hope Awards, are replacing PhRMA’s Discoverer’s Award, and this year, will focus on the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice are cohosting the 2012 event. Pharmaceutical Technology is a media partner to the awards, which will be given in the following categories, according to PhRMA:

• The Research & Hope Award for Academic Research in Alzheimer's: Presented to individuals or a team from the academic community for outstanding research in the search for a cure for Alzheimer's disease
• The Research & Hope Award for Biopharmaceutical Industry Research in Alzheimer's: Presented to individuals or team from a biopharmaceutical company for outstanding research in the search for a cure for Alzheimer's disease
• The Research & Hope Award for Patient Advocacy: This award is presented to an individual or organization that has had significant impact supporting and advocating for legislative or regulatory health policy issues. Their work has increased awareness, funding for research, or access to care. The award recognizes the involvement, commitment, and achievement to the fight against Alzheimer's.
• The Research & Hope Award: Volunteer Champion: This award is presented to an individual who has significantly affected the lives of patients and/or home caregivers in a charitable or humanitarian way. The Volunteer Champion recognizes individuals and caregivers who give selflessly to help others in need.

“This award ceremony celebrates the evolution of research and progress made in the battle against such a complex and devastating disease. Yet, despite the enormous challenges biopharmaceutical scientists continue to face fighting Alzheimer’s, the achievements we will be recognizing give us hope,” said John J. Castellani, president and CEO of PhRMA. “This is also an opportunity to better recognize those individuals who have devoted their lives to helping patients suffering from such a debilitating disease.”

The science award winners are being selected by a special committee of the PhRMA Foundation. The advocacy awards are being selected by a committee made up of PhRMA and cohost representatives. Interviews with the winners will appear in the December 2012 issue of Pharmaceutical Technology. For more information, visit the PhRMA Awards website.