Novartis, Amgen, GSK and Veridex among Prix Galien USA Honors recipients

The Prix Galien USA committee celebrated members of the science and biotechnology industries for the development and discovery of drugs and technologies that improve the human condition. Novartis Oncology, Amgen, GlaxoSmithKline and Veridex were honored with the 2009 Prix Galien USA, considered the industry's highest accolade for pharmaceutical R&D, for treatments that could change the course of health care worldwide.

"The 2009 Prix Galien USA winners represent what is possible when basic scientific research translates to drug development and discovery," said Gerald Weissmann, Prix Galien USA committee chair, NYU School of Medicine research professor of medicine, director of biotechnology study center, and editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal. "We all benefit from the research that provides new treatments for the millions of cancer patients worldwide and for the patients living with rare blood diseases. Basic research translates into future knowledge and improved health for all of us," he added.

The Prix Galien 2009 winners, selected from 21 candidates, are:

Best Pharmaceutical Product:
Novartis Oncology, for Gleevec (imatinib mesylate): by targeting the specific cancer-causing molecules in the body, the drug attacks cancerous cells while sparing healthy cells and the immune system.

Best Biotechnology Products:
Amgen, for Nplate (romiplostim), a thrombopoietin receptor agonist used in the treatment of thrombocytopenic purpura by increasing platelet counts without affecting the immune system; and