Alexandra Avgustinova from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK was awarded first prize of £2,000 for her research entitled Characterization of the Tumor-Fibroblast Cross-talk in a Mouse Model of Disease Progression. “For any young scientist, the opportunity to share scientific work is extremely rewarding. Beyond that, having my work acclaimed by a panel of experts is a great honor indeed,” commented Alexandra Avgustinova. “Receiving this award fuels my hope and desire to see my research in practical application in the future. I would like to thank The Institute of Cancer Research for enabling me to conduct this research and MedImmune for the recognition.”

Second and third prizes of £1,000 and £500 were awarded to Metamia Ciampricotti from The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Holly Barker from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, respectively.

Congratulating the winners, Dr Thorsten Hagemann, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK and one of the competition’s judges said, “It is extremely encouraging to see the quality of scientific work being produced by these young scientists. Initiatives such as this competition are an essential part of our fight against cancer – highlighting new research, helping us to discover fresh scientific talent and new therapeutic solutions to human disease. Alexandra’s research is cutting edge science which will have an immediate impact on cancer treatment”.

“MedImmune is committed to fostering the development of the next generation of leading scientists focused on improving human health. This competition provides us with the opportunity to highlight and reward the innovative work of talented scientists, which in the current economic climate we feel is especially important,” said Matthew McCourt, Director of Biology, Oncology at MedImmune. “We congratulate all ten finalists for being selected in this tough, competitive programme and feel privileged to be able to provide some recognition for their dedication.”

The competition was open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in Europe with ten finalists shortlisted to present their research to an expert panel of judges including Dr Thorsten Hagemann, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK, Dr Christian Blank, Group Leader, Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and a senior executive from both MedImmune and AstraZeneca. The focus of the competition – tumor microenvironments – reflects the research interests of MedImmune’s UK-based Oncology Department in Cambridge. The three winners were announced at the awards ceremony in Cambridge University’s prestigious Downing College following evaluation of their presentations on the basis of scientific merit, innovation and delivery.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca plc. (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN) has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at http://www.medimmune.com.

First prize of $2,000 was awarded to Jennifer Martinez, Ph.D., Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, for her research topic “The role of LC3- associated phagocytosis in the clearance of dead cells.”

Martinez noted: “I am appreciative for the recognition and the opportunity to present my data.  It was also a great chance to learn about research in the field my colleagues are doing around the world.”  

Second and third prizes of $1,000 and $500 were awarded respectively to Jeremy Di Domizio, Ph.D., Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, and Donald Simons, Ph.D., of The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia.

“We are impressed by the quality of research that is being conducted by young scientists,” said Bahija Jallal, executive vice president of research and development at MedImmune. “This competition, which is one of the many activities MedImmune leads to engage emerging scientists in advancing health and science education, uncovered some extraordinary ideas that could help researchers further understand approaches in the RIA therapeutic area.”

The competition was open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows worldwide, with ten finalists selected to present their research to a panel of MedImmune experts at the company’s headquarters in Gaithersburg.  Evaluation of abstracts were based on the following criteria: scientific rationale, description of methodology, suitability of methods to aims, conclusions confirmed by objective results, ethics, scientific value, potential clinical value, originality of work and overall presentation. 

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics unit for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising drug candidates, MedImmune strives to deliver life-changing products, a rewarding career to our employees and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

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Notes to Editors:

First Place:                 Jennifer Martinez, Ph.D., Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, for her research topic “The role of LC3- associated phagocytosis in the clearance of dead cells.”

Second Place:             Jeremy Di Domizio, Ph.D., Department of Immunology, M D Anderson, Houston. The title of his abstract is “A novel class of host-derived etiological agent for autoimmunity: oligomers of endogenous proteins complex with self-nucleic acids and trigger Type I interferon production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells.”                          

Third Place:                Donald Simons, Ph.D., of The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia. The title of his abstract is “Monocytes promote the formation of Th17 cells in inflammatory arthritis.”

Carmela De Santo a scientist from The Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, UK, was awarded first prize of £2,000 for her research in immune modulation entitled ‘A novel melanoma immunoescape mechanism based on the secretion of serum amyloid A and differentiation of IL-10-secreting neutrophils’. “It is a great honour to win this competition and to have the opportunity to present my research and gain feedback from leading experts in oncology,” said Carmela De Santo. “It is encouraging to see a research-focused company recognizing young scientists and supporting us in this way. I would like to thank MedImmune for this opportunity and acknowledgement.”

Second and third prizes of £1,000 and £500 were awarded to Alexandre Trindade from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Technical University of Lisbon (UTL), Lisbon, Portugal and Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal for his research in angiogenesis, and Thomas Cox from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK for his research in extracellular matrix modulation respectively.

“We are extremely impressed with the caliber of the scientific research being conducted by these researchers,” said Dr Christian Blank, one of the competition’s judges and Group Leader, Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, The Netherlands. “Increasing our understanding of tumour microenvironments can help improve our overall understanding of how cancers behave. The research these young scientists are conducting will add to the pool of knowledge the scientific community can draw upon when developing new therapies.”

“One of our primary objectives at MedImmune is to promote and advance health and science education,” said Dr. Klaus Bosslet, Vice President Research, Oncology, MedImmune. “This competition is part of our commitment to investing in the development of the next generation of leading scientists. These young scientists could one day occupy the top echelons of scientific research and we at MedImmune are honored to play a part in their future careers by providing some recognition for their hard work.”

The competition was open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in Europe with ten finalists shortlisted to present their research to an expert panel of judges including Professor Adrian Harris, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, UK; Dr. Christian Blank, Group Leader, Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, The Netherlands; Dr. Klaus Bosslet, Vice President Research, Oncology, MedImmune and Dr. Scott Hammond, Senior Scientist, Oncology, MedImmune. The focus of the competition – tumour microenvironments – reflects the research interests of MedImmune’s UK-based Oncology Department in Cambridge. The three winners were announced at the awards ceremony at Cambridge University’s prestigious Downing College following evaluation of their presentations on the basis of scientific merit, innovation and delivery.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics unit for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland USA. With an advancing pipeline of promising drug candidates, MedImmune strives to deliver life-changing products, a rewarding career to our employees and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

 Within the past year, MedImmune’s facility exceeded the county benchmark for recycling by recycling 51 percent of its required waste, a 13 percent increase from 2008. In addition, the overall (voluntary plus mandatory) recycling rate more than doubled, soaring from 42 percent in 2008 to 87 percent in 2009.

 “This award marks a milestone for our recycling and green programs. It is a testament to our green team members and facility staff who went above and beyond what was required to further reduce our environmental impact and earn this well deserved award,” stated Gene McMurray, director of Facilities for MedImmune’s Gaithersburg headquarters.  

 MedImmune jumpstarted their existing recycling program in 2008 when they formed a site Green Team. The team was charged with identifying and executing new initiatives that would further reduce waste, increase recycling and reuse materials when possible. The cross-functional Green Team consists of members from departments ranging from Information Technology to Research and Development to Finance and Engineering.

 A key element in MedImmune’s recycling success comes from the expansion of recycling to the laboratory areas in 2009. MedImmune’s lab operations management team worked closely with the facilities department and the company’s waste management vendor to find efficient and economical ways to recycle plastic grades 5 through 7. Prior to 2009, only plastic grades 1-4 could be recycled due to limited capacity, leaving nearly half of the lab plastics unrecyclable.

 In addition to the laboratories, green construction initiatives in both expansion and renovation projects helped further the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices.

 Recycling provisions were incorporated into construction contract bids, a recycling education program for sub-contractors was created and recycling documentation was collected from the construction companies to ensure compliance. The construction teams also found creative ways to reuse expensive materials, which conserved energy, and reduced costs overall. In addition, MedImmune’s newest building project will also be among the first LEED-certified laboratories in the county.

 “This is yet another milestone in our continuing drive to be a corporate leader in green initiatives,” said Toni Stiefel, director of Corporate Responsibility & Community Affairs. “Sustainability is an increasingly important element of responsible business practice for MedImmune worldwide.”

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,300 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising drug candidates, MedImmune strives to deliver life-changing products, a rewarding career to our employees and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

First prize of £2,000 was awarded to Nicole Simonavicius, a PhD student at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK for her research into the role of the tumour pericyte receptor endosialin in angiogenesis. “Winning this competition is a great honour. Gaining such positive feedback from leading experts has confirmed my commitment to scientific research,” said Nicole. “I am grateful to MedImmune for giving me the opportunity to present my research – it is encouraging to see a research-focused company supporting the next generation of scientists.”

Second and third prizes of £1,000 and £500 were awarded to Eva Schlecker, a PhD student at The German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany, and Roberta Burden, a scientist at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland.  

“It is encouraging to see the high calibre of scientific research that went into the submissions we received,” said Professor Volker Schirrmacher, one of the competition’s judges and retired Head of the Division of Cellular Immunology at The German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany. “Their research could pave the way for further understanding of tumour microenvironment and could potentially help in the development of new therapies in the fight against cancer.”

“MedImmune is committed to fostering the development of the next generation of leading scientists focused on improving human health. One of our primary objectives at MedImmune is to promote and advance health and science education, and this competition provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge committed and talented researchers pursuing science degrees and postdoctoral research in the field of oncology.” said Klaus Bosslet, Vice President of Research, Oncology, Cambridge. “We were impressed with the standard of work delivered and congratulate all of the ten finalists for getting this far. The students and scientists represented embody the future of exciting cancer research and we at MedImmune are privileged to play a part in their careers by providing some recognition for their hard work.”

The competition was open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in Europe with ten finalists shortlisted to present their research to an expert panel of judges including Professor Gillian Murphy, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge; Professor Volker Schirrmacher, retired Head of the Division of Cellular Immunology at The German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany; and two senior MedImmune representatives. The three winners were announced at the awards ceremony in Cambridge University’s historic Peterhouse College following evaluation of their presentations on the basis of scientific merit, innovation and delivery.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,300 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising candidates, we aim to be the next revolutionary force in biotechnology by delivering life-changing products, industry-leading performance, and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

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Baltimore, MD — May 4, 2009 — MedImmune has awarded grants to five pediatric fellows to assist their conduct of original research in the field of viral respiratory diseases. The fellowship research grants, which underscore the company’s dedication to advancing research in pediatric health, were presented for the sixth consecutive year through MedImmune’s Fellowship Research Grant Program. This year’s recipients, awarded $35,000 each, were acknowledged on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at a reception at the Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting in Baltimore.

We are honored to contribute to important research that is essential to better understanding very common and potentially severe pediatric infectious diseases, such as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and influenza, said Doris A. Makari, M.D., senior director, medical affairs. Research continues to be the cornerstone of viral respiratory health advancements, which is why we remain dedicated to sponsoring promising studies like those of the five recipients being honored this year.

All grant candidates are required to be full-time fellows conducting original research as their primary focus in an American Board of Pediatrics-accredited fellowship program. The selection was made by an independent committee comprised of external pediatric reviewers from across the United States.

The 2009 Pediatric Fellowship Program grant recipients are:

• Jennifer Esbenshade, M.D.
  Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital  
  Project Title: Surveillance of Influenza Shedding in Healthcare Workers in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
• Dana Lynn Esham, M.D.
  Pediatric Allergy Immunology Fellow, University of Texas Medical Branch
  Project Title: Role of Metapneumovirus G Protein in Modulating Innate Immune Responses
• Carla Garcia, M.D. Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center
  Project Title: Rhinovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children:   Clinical and Immune Differences
• Alejandro Jordan-Villegas, M.D. Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center
  Project Title: Immunopathogenesis of RSV and Streptococcus pneumoniae interactions
• Maria Marchenko, M.D.
  Pediatric Critical Care Fellow, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
  Project Title: The effects of Isoflurane Inhalation on RSV Infection in Mice

MedImmune’s Fellowship Research Grant Program is one example of the company’s broader, ongoing commitment to research and pediatric health. To date, MedImmune has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in research funds over the last 20 years to develop new and next-generation medicines against respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,100 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising candidates, we aim to be the next revolutionary force in biotechnology by delivering life-changing products, industry-leading performance, and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

BOSTON, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Five neonatology fellows have been awarded grants designed to stimulate interest and research in the area of follow-up care of the premature infant as part of MedImmune’s Fellowship Program. The grants, which underscore MedImmune’s commitment to expanding research within pediatric medicine, will provide each recipient’s institution a $35,000 grant, totaling $175,000 in research funding. The five recipients were acknowledged on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at a reception coinciding with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2008 National Conference and Exhibition.

MedImmune, a leading biotech with broad expertise in infectious disease research, has awarded funding for respiratory viral disease study during the past five years. The company expanded its program to include grants on premature infant follow-up care to help broaden research in other areas of pediatrics.

“To fully protect premature children from potentially severe pediatric infectious diseases and other health and developmental issues, we must further explore best-practices for appropriate follow-up care,” said Frank J. Malinoski, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, medical and scientific affairs. “MedImmune is honored to support the five fellows with the continuation of this important research to ensure more is being done to address the specialized health needs of premature infants.”

The five fellowship recipients were selected by independent reviewers consisting of external pediatric physicians from across the United States. All candidates were required to be full-time fellows in an American Board of Pediatrics-accredited fellowship program and be conducting original research as their primary focus.

The Fellowship Program grant recipients are:

 -- Jennifer Benjamin, M.D. 

Neonatology Fellow, Duke University

Project Title: Utility of Pre-Discharge Cerebral Oximetry in Premature Infants With and Without Residual Lung Disease – Impact on Growth, Health, and Development In the First Year of Life

 -- Malgorzata Bulanowski, M.D. 

Neonatology Fellow, Rochester University

Project Title: Reach Out and Read. The Outcome of NICU and Neonatal Clinic-Based Intervention on Language Development in Preterm Born Children

 -- Amy Fowler, M.D. 

Neonatology Fellow, University of Texas at San Antonio

Project Title: Genetic and Environmental Influences on Growth, Motor, Cognitive, Behavioral and Language Development of Premature Infants

 -- Elizabeth Rogers, M.D. 

Neonatology Fellow, University of California San Francisco

Project Title: Defining The “New” Prematurity: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies

 -- Charles Sauer, D.O. 

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellow, University of California San Diego

Project Title: Improving Longitudinal Growth in Preterm Infants with Individualized Fortification of Breast Milk with Near Infrared Spectroscopy

In addition to the 2008 Fellowship Program, MedImmune has invested an additional $550,000 this year in educational and charitable grants to various AAP chapters in support of pediatric health and the AAP’s Preemie Health Coalition. The Preemie Health Coalition is a consortium of more than 25 national organizations that have assembled under the AAP to marshal their resources and experience on behalf of premature infants who cannot advocate for themselves.

About MedImmune

MedImmune is a leading innovation-focused biotechnology company whose mission it is to provide better medicines to patients, new medical options for physicians and rewarding careers to employees. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live better lives, the company is focused on infection, oncology, respiratory disease and inflammation, cardiovascular/gastrointestinal disease and neuroscience. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, MedImmune has approximately 3,000 employees worldwide and is the wholly owned biologics business for AstraZeneca plc (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN). For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

SOURCE MedImmune

“The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in representing the local business community at the regional and state levels, which is why MedImmune is proud to be an active corporate member,” said Lori Weiman, vice president of public affairs. “We are pleased that the chamber has chosen to recognize Brian’s commitment to its organization with the chairman’s award.”

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Annual Chairman’s Award recognizes an individual for outstanding service and contributions to the business community. Mr. Rosen has represented MedImmune as a board member of the Montgomery County Chamber for the past five years. He is currently the co-chair for the legislative affairs committee and a member of the executive committee and the board of directors.

About MedImmune

MedImmune is wholly owned by AstraZeneca plc (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN) and is the worldwide biologics business for the AstraZeneca Group. The company has approximately 3,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. MedImmune strives to provide better medicines to patients, new medical options for physicians and rewarding careers to employees. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live better lives, the company is focused on infection, oncology, respiratory disease and inflammation, cardiovascular/gastrointestinal disease and neuroscience. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at http://www.medimmune.com.

SOURCE MedImmune

CONTACT: Tor Constantino of MedImmune, +1-301-398-5801