EMD Serono Awards Grant for Growth - Countdown for Accepting Applications

• EMD Serono's Grant for Growth Innovations (GGI) supports innovative projects to advance understanding in the field of growth 
• Closing date for entries is January 6, 2015 
• Awardees will be announced at the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology meeting in Barcelona, October 2015 

ROCKLAND, MA, Dec. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, reminded today that there is just one month remaining for scientists leading innovative research projects to apply for grants as part of the EMD Serono Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI). Grants totalling up to $500,000 will be awarded to one or more selected projects.

EMD Serono is supporting innovative projects that have the potential to advance the understanding of science and medical research in the field of growth. In 2014, the company announced the first recipients of the GGI at the 53^rd European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) meeting. The winners were from Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Steven Hildemann, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medical and Safety at the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, said: "EMD Serono has a longstanding and ongoing commitment to advancing the treatment of growth hormone deficiency. The Grant for Growth Innovation demonstrates our support for novel scientific proposals by researchers seeking to accelerate understanding of growth disorders, improve adherence and deliver better outcomes for patients."

Applications close on January 6, 2015. For the first application, submissions must contain a letter of intent and a brief description of the research project. The applications will be evaluated by an independent Scientific Steering Committee of internationally renowned endocrinologists according to five criteria:

• Innovation
• Scientific rationale
• Clarity
• Feasibility
• Impact of research

Successful applicants will then have the opportunity to develop the full protocol for a second round of consideration. The winners will be announced in 2015 at the 54^th European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology meeting in Barcelona, which will be held 1 to 3 October, 2015.

More information is available at http://www.grantforgrowthinnovation.com.

About the Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI) 

EMD Serono announced the initiation of the GGI program in 2013 to support the advancement of understanding of the field of growth. A total grant of up to $500,000 will be awarded to one or more selected projects. Each application is blinded and evaluated by a Scientific Steering Committee composed of internationally renowned endocrinologists, according to five criteria: innovation; scientific rationale; clarity; feasibility; and impact of research.

For further information about the GGI and how to apply for next year's grants, please visit http://www.grantforgrowthinnovation.org

About EMD Serono  

EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a specialized biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies with groundbreaking potential. The company has strong market positions in neurology, endocrinology and in reproductive health. In addition, EMD Serono has an enduring commitment to solve the unsolvable, with state-of-the-art science dedicated to developing new therapies in our core focus areas of neurology, oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology. With a long-standing history of industry expertise and a dedication to shape the future of healthcare, the company's US footprint continues to grow, with approximately 1,000 employees around the country and fully integrated commercial, clinical and research operations in the state of Massachusetts.

For more information, please visit http://www.emdserono.com.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany  

Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Its subsidiaries in Canada and the United States operate under the umbrella brand EMD. Around 39,000 employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to further the success of customers and to help meet global challenges. The company generated total revenues of €11.1 billion in 2013 with its four divisions: Biopharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Performance Materials and Life Science Tools. Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company - since 1668, the name has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70 percent interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day.

SOURCE: EMD Serono