Celerion scientist proud recipient of Scientific and Technological Achievement Award (STAA) from EPA
Celerion scientist proud recipient of Scientific and Technological Achievement Award (STAA) from EPA.
(Lincoln, NE; Jan 11, 2012) – Celerion, the premier provider of innovative early stage drug development solutions, is pleased to announce Don Graff, PharmD, has received the prestigious Scientific and Technological Achievement Award (STAA) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award is based on the research Dr. Graff undertook while at the EPA, prior to joining the Clinical Pharmacology Sciences business at Celerion.
The body of work submitted for the award examined the findings of epidemiological studies conducted in the US and around the world. These data show that various subsets of the population are at risk to suffer cardiopulmonary events, including death, following episodes of elevated particulate matter (PM) pollution in the air. This work addresses biological plausibility and demonstrates that various size fractions of PM may be responsible for the diverse health effects noted in previous studies.
Dr. Graff earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a residency in Pharmacy Practice at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He continued his post-graduate training at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where his research focused on treatment and pathophysiology of heart failure. Upon joining the EPA, his work continued in the cardiopulmonary arena through bench-top and clinical studies assessing the effects of air pollution particulate matter on human health. In his role at Celerion, Dr. Graff has applied his cardiopulmonary expertise to the design and analysis of unique clinical research studies.
“We are extremely proud of Dr. Graff, and the work submitted to the EPA. This research is especially relevant as it aligns with Celerion’s key strategic focus in the respiratory therapeutic area and early cardiac services,” said Michelle Combs PhD, Vice President of Clinical Pharmacology Sciences at Celerion. “This award is representative of the depth and breadth of scientific expertise that Celerion’s scientists have and is reflected in the high quality work delivered to our clients.”
Celerion has one of the most experienced Clinical Pharmacology Sciences team operating in six global locations in North America and Europe for over 40 years. The team produces more than 200 clinical study reports annually and has developed over 4000 protocols.
The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment, and air pollution is a significant area of focus for the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) within the EPA’s Office of Research and Development. For over two decades scientists at NHEERL have been conducting clinical studies evaluating the effects of air pollutants in support of the Clean Air Act, leading to the implementation of ozone and PM health advisory systems commonly used throughout the US. In addition, these studies have brought about considerable improvements in air quality and air pollution-related health outcomes.
About Celerion
Celerion is the premier provider of innovative early stage clinical research solutions. From facilities strategically located around the world, advanced scientific and technological expertise is applied to clinical research (over 730 beds in Phases 0, I and IIa, NDA – enabling clinical pharmacology, ADME), clinical pharmacology sciences, bioanalytical services (discovery through late stage), and drug development services. Celerion has a full spectrum of resources to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and generic industries for Phase 0 through IIa proof-of-concept studies. For more information, visit www.celerion.com.