GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MedImmune, Inc.
(Nasdaq: MEDI) presented its first "Advancing Science for Better Health" Award
to Montgomery Blair High School senior Daniel Aisen at the 49th Annual
Montgomery Area Science Fair, held March 13 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The
award is designed to recognize the scientific work of a current Montgomery
County high school junior or senior.
MedImmune researchers awarded Aisen's project, "Association Between
Galanin Receptor 3 Polymorphisms and Post-Discectomy Sciatic Pain," because
they believed it best exemplified the award's spirit and purpose. Criteria for
evaluation included biological relevance to the causes, treatment and
prevention of human disease.
In his project, Aisen studied the possible influence of genetic factors on
the level of pain perception in patients with sciatica. Aisen believes that
once the exact role of this "pain" gene is understood, treatments may be
developed to prevent the severe discomfort caused by sciatica and other types
of nerve injury.
Aisen, who plans to study biology or physics in college, received a
trophy, award certificate, and $100 gift check and an offer for a six-week
paid internship at MedImmune. Aisen said he is "thrilled about the opportunity
to intern" at MedImmune, a leading biotechnology company. "I look forward to
seeing work done from the drug development side of research," he added.
In addition to commissioning the special award, MedImmune sponsored this
year's science fair, which included students from 34 middle schools and high
schools in Montgomery County. Dr. Pepper Buckley, the fair director, expressed
her gratitude to MedImmune. "It is fantastic to have MedImmune involved with
ScienceMONTGOMERY! To my way of thinking, Daniel walked away with the best
prize in the whole fair! We look forward to hearing more about his experience
at MedImmune," she said.
MedImmune's involvement reflects the company's continued support of
science and health education. "It was fascinating to see the caliber of these
student projects," commented Toni Stiefel, associate director, employee
communications and community relations at MedImmune. "By supporting budding
scientists in our own backyard, MedImmune is able to contribute directly to
our local community as well as to encourage the study of science."
About MedImmune, Inc.
MedImmune strives to provide better medicines to patients, new medical
options for physicians, rewarding careers to employees, and increased value to
shareholders. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live
better lives, the company is focused on the areas of infectious diseases,
cancer and inflammatory diseases. With approximately 2,000 employees
worldwide, MedImmune is headquartered in Maryland. For more information, visit
the company's website at http://www.medimmune.com.
SOURCE MedImmune, Inc.
CONTACT: Jamie Lacey MedImmune, Inc. +1-301-398-4035