Gilead Sciences Austria honors groundbreaking projects with the “Creating Possible Award” – this year in the oncology category

Vienna (OTS) – Vienna, January 25, 2024 – Gilead Sciences Austria is continuing its groundbreaking support and this year is honoring outstanding projects with the “Creating Possible Award” that play an important role in the fight against life-threatening cancer. The “Creating Possible Award” was created to recognize innovative research and community projects that have the potential to sustainably transform patients’ lives.

The honoring of the winning projects of the “Creating Possible Awards” took place on January 25, 2024 at the Billrothhaus in Vienna. This year the focus was on innovative research and community projects that have the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape in the areas of hemato-oncology and lung, breast and bladder cancer. The event provided a platform to present the winning projects that were the focus of this year’s award and that represent excellence in research and the community.

Five promising projects honored

This year’s winning projects are diverse and offer new hope in the fight against cancer. A project at the Medical University of Innsbruck is investigating which genes and signaling pathways are responsible for resistance in the treatment of various types of cancer – this should enable more targeted therapeutic approaches to be developed. The Medical University of Graz is working to find new ways to better treat leukemia. The Salzburg Cancer Research Institute relies on sports medicine training therapy to help people with lymphoma after special treatment. There is also a project from the Medical University of Graz that examines how the immune system reacts to certain blood diseases. With the podcast “Herrenzimmer”, the Austrian Cancer Aid has created a platform on which men living with lung cancer can receive information and help for everything related to the topic of cancer.

Prof. Dr. Richard Greil, director of the Salzburg University Hospital for Internal Medicine III and director of the Salzburg Cancer Research Institute (SCRI), is enthusiastic: “This award demonstrates the groundbreaking research in the field of oncology and the important role that innovative projects play in improving cancer treatment. It is encouraging to see how these initiatives could have the potential to significantly improve patients’ lives – and how this potential is also being recognized and valued.“

Gilead’s focus on oncology

This year’s event not only provided a stage to honor these groundbreaking projects, but also underscored Gilead’s ongoing commitment and commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and setting the highest standards in cancer care.

Dr. Evelyne Ellinger, Country Medical Director Austria at Gilead Sciences, emphasized the importance of these initiatives: “Our commitment goes far beyond the development of medicines. The “Creating Possible Award” is a matter close to Gilead’s heart, as it provides excellent support for our efforts to positively influence the lives of patients and advance innovative therapeutic approaches.“

Gilead Sciences is focused on advancing compounds with the potential to be used in a variety of therapies, alone or in combination with other medications. Gilead is working on exploring options outside of conventional chemotherapy, particularly in solid tumor therapy. Gilead also plays a leading role in cell therapy (CAR-T), which offers an innovative option for cancer patients.

Gilead Sciences Austria continues to push scientific boundaries and set high standards in cancer treatment worldwide. Promoting research and community projects remains a central focus to sustainably improve the lives of patients.

Voices about the Creating Possible Award:

The Austrian Cancer Aid:

“By specifically promoting research and patient projects, the Gilead Creating Possible Award not only enables advances in treatment, but also in improving the quality of life of patients. We are pleased that this high-quality award has focused on oncological diseases this year.”

Mag. Alexander Herzog, Secretary General of PHARMIG:

“Passion and achievement – ​​the Gilead award recognizes both. This is all the more valuable because the focus is on nothing less than human health. The achievements in drug research cannot be sufficiently valued. “With its “Creating Possible Award,” Gilead is sending an important signal that the commitment and passion of researchers is recognized.”

Julia Guizani, President of FOPI – Forum of the Research-Based Pharmaceutical Industry in Austria:

“Innovative therapies offer patients new hope for treating their disease or at least improving their quality of life. But even the step before that – namely research into new approaches – is a benefit for patients and the local healthcare system. Because where research is carried out, innovative medicines are available earlier, doctors are promptly at the cutting edge of medical knowledge and those affected benefit from state-of-the-art care. That’s why the Creating Possible Award – launched by Gilead – is an important contribution. It supports and encourages all those who put their heart and soul into research and development and expresses the much-needed appreciation.”

University Prof. Dr. Marija Balic, Head of the Breast Center LKH Graz at the Medical University of Graz:

“The Creating Possible Award highlights the importance of innovation and advancement in healthcare. It is encouraging to see companies like Gilead committed to recognizing groundbreaking initiatives that have a lasting impact on patients’ oncology care. The Award provides a platform to highlight innovative approaches and their positive impact on the healthcare system and to reward those who continually contribute to improving healthcare.”

Prim. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ewald Wöll, Medical Director/Medical Head of Internal Medicine KH Zams:

“The Creating Possible Award is valuable recognition for developments in the health sector. This year’s award for innovative projects in cancer therapy highlights the importance of both research and community projects to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.”

About Gilead Sciences GesmbH

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has been pursuing and achieving medical breakthroughs for more than three decades to create a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to developing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Foster City, California.

The Vienna branch, which has existed since 2007, is responsible for Gilead’s business activities in Austria. Over 45 employees offer high-quality service and focus on sales and customer advice.

Further information at: www.gilead.at