16 winners from 8 countries were awarded research grants of more than $ 2 million under the global Bayer Hemophilia Awards Program (BHAP). The grants will support research into a broad range of projects, including anxiety among female carriers of Hemophilia, Factor VIII splicing-switching molecules for tailored Hemophilia A therapies, and the assessment of therapeutic relationships in Hemophilia care. 

 Two Indian researchers were among the BHAP award winners, announced at the ISTH (International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis) Congress held recently in Berlin, Germany.

 B.Sulochana from the Manipal College of Nursing was awarded for her research focusing on anxiety, stress and coping strategies and lived experiences among women carriers of Hemophilia. The second awardee from India, Cilla Joseph from the Hemophilia Treatment Centre, Kochi was awarded for her research which focused on Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy along with Ai Chi techniques for arthritic knee joint in Hemophilia patients.

“Since its inception in 2002, the Bayer Hemophilia Awards Program (BHAP) aims to support research that has the potential to have a significant impact on our understanding of hemophilia and bleeding disorders,” said Manoj Saxena, Managing Director – Bayer Zydus Pharma, India. “BHAP continues to be a tangible reflection of Bayer’s ongoing commitment to research and advancing scientific knowledge that improves patient care. We are proud to recognize and award these individuals for their talent, expertise and commitment in their fields.”  

The largest program of its kind in Hemophilia, BHAP provides valuable funds to support basic, clinical and outcome research, encourage recently qualified physicians to undertake further training in hemostasis and support projects undertaken by allied healthcare professionals such as nurses and physical therapists. Till date, BHAP has awarded more than 280 grants, totaling more than USD 33 million, to researchers and caregivers from 32 countries around the world. 

“Winning the Bayer Hemophilia Caregiver Award 2017 from applicants across the world is a huge motivation for me and my organization. I am honored that the Grants Review and Awards Committee of BHAP considered the project as important and relevant. This project gives an in-depth information and understanding of physical symptoms, psycho-social aspects of life and lived experience among mothers who are carriers of hemophilia and will guide us in designing targeted interventions” said B. Sulochana.

Speaking about her win, Cilla Joseph, said, “I am privileged and honored to be selected for the BHAP award from multiple entrants across the world. This award reflects the research interest in my chosen area. The focus of my study would be the effectiveness of aquatic therapy with AI CHI techniques for arthritic knee joint in Hemophilia A patients. If I am successful in proving the effectiveness of this therapy, this will greatly impact the rehabilitation of Hemophilia as most patients suffer from arthritic pain in the early decades of their life.” 

This year, awards were presented in five categories:

• Special Projects: provides support for a wide range of scientific research in the field of hemophilia
• Early Career Investigator: provides salary support and research funds for junior faculty members to undertake mentored and/or basic research projects
• Fellowship Project: facilitates the development of specific clinical expertise for applicants who have completed medical training
• Caregiver: recognizes the essential role of caregivers and allied health professionals
• Outcomes Research: encourages the development of relevant tools for outcome assessment, or their validation and applications in different health care situations

Both the winners from India, B. Sulochana and Cilla Joseph were recognized in the Caregiver category.

The BHAP award recipients are selected by a global panel of distinguished hemophilia clinicians, researchers and caregivers. Till date, BHAP support has contributed to more than 400 publications, poster presentations and other scientific communications by awardees.