Population Council Research that makes a difference

The Population Council and Sheldon Segal to Be Awarded Prix Galien USA

Pro Bono Humanum Award recognizes organization and Segal for role in developing implantable hormone delivery systems

NEW YORK, NY (23 September 2008) — The Population Council and Sheldon Segal, Distinguished Scientist at the Council, will be awarded the 2008 Prix Galien USA Pro Bono Humanum Award for their role in developing implantable hormone delivery systems. Broadcast journalist Charlie Rose will emcee the awards ceremony on 24 September 2008 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Segal directed the research and development of Norplant®, the first contraceptive implant on the market. Currently, eight million women worldwide use contraceptive implants such as Norplant, Implanon®, and Jadelle®.

The Prix Galien USA Award recognizes the technical, scientific, and clinical research skills necessary to develop innovative medicines that improve the human condition. It is considered the industry's highest accolade for pharmaceutical research and development.

“I am delighted that the distinguished Prix Galien selection committee has selected the Population Council and Dr. Segal for this honor,” said Council president Peter Donaldson. “Millions of women around the world have benefited from contraceptive implants. We are proud of the role we played in developing this product under Shelly’s leadership.”

Segal said, “I am greatly honored that the Prix Galien committee has chosen to recognize our efforts to provide women with new, safe, and effective contraceptive options. In singling out our work for this high honor, the selection committee recognizes the efforts of a coalition of biomedical and social scientists from the Population Council and many other organizations who are committed to improving women’s health around the globe.”

Over 100 million women around the world have used a Population Council–developed form of long-term reversible contraception, including Norplant, Jadelle (a successor to Norplant), the Mirena® intrauterine system, and copper intrauterine devices. The Council continues to develop contraceptives, including contraceptive rings, gels, and sprays.

The award also will recognize other coalition members: the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the late Judah Folkman of Harvard University, Dow-Corning, and Wyeth. The award will be presented on 24 September 2008 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Last year's inaugural awards recognized Dr. Roy Vagelos with a Pro Bono Humanum Award for his historic decision to donate the drug Mectizan to more than 530 million people in 34 countries to treat and prevent river blindness. Vagelos was presented the Humanum Award by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel on behalf of the selection committee at the award ceremony in 2007.

---

About the Population Council
The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees.

###

Media contacts

Diane Rubino: drubino@popcouncil.org; +1 212 339 0617