Grant Program Overview
The Genzyme Renal Innovations Program (GRIP) distributes grants to researchers, clinicians and fellows in the field of nephrology. GRIP was established to support the advancement of medical knowledge and practice in kidney diseases through innovative research projects in nephrology. It represents Genzyme’s commitment to improving care for patients with kidney disease. In pursuing this commitment, we hope to create an enduring partnership with the worldwide nephrology community.
Your Ideas. Our Support.
Grants are awarded each year, with funding available for up to a maximum of $50,000 USD per year for a period of 1 to 3 years. A maximum of ten grants are awarded each year. All proposals are considered proprietary and confidential, and are not reproduced except for purposes of program administration.
Research Topics for 2010
- Epigenetics in renal disease
- Mechanisms of cystogenesis
- Regulation of oxidative stress in renal disease
- Pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting of vascular dysfunction and calcification in CKD
- Regenerative pathways in renal repair
Application Process and Timeline
Step 1. Letter of Intent Submission.
The Letter of Intent is a brief summary, not to exceed three pages, outlining the research intent and approach. The Letter of Intent must reach Genzyme by February 15, 2010. Download instructions for the Letter of Intent here. Your completed Letter of Intent documentation should be uploaded using the webcargo secure link.
Step 2. Letter of Intent Review.
The independent review board will review all Letters of Intent to determine if the proposed research is appropriate for the program.
Step 3. Request for Proposals.
All applicants will be notified in late March via email whether or not the Review Board recommends they submit a full research proposal.
Step 4. Proposal Submission.
Requested Proposals must reach Genzyme by May 5, 2010. Download the Research Proposal Application here. Completed proposals should be uploaded using the webcargo secure link.
Step 5. Grants Announcement.
Grant recipients will be announced in June 2010 at the European Dialysis and Transplantation (EDTA) meeting in Munich, Germany.
Step 6. Research Agreements Signed.
A research agreement will be signed and payments made in semi-annual installments beginning in September 2010.
Review Criteria
An independent medical review board, composed of worldwide thought leaders in the nephrology community, will review, evaluate, and score all Letters of Intent and Research Proposals. Each year membership on the review board is rotated to maintain broad scientific judgment. In addition to the scientific merit of the proposed research, the medical review board considers the following criteria when evaluating proposals:
- Innovation of the proposal
- Clinical importance and potential impact
- Adequacy of the experimental design
- Qualifications and experience of the principal investigator for the proposed research
- Feasibility of the budget and duration of the proposed research
Review a Sample Evaluation Form.
Research Agreement
Should an applicant be awarded a GRIP grant, the recipient and Genzyme will sign a research agreement. This agreement will contain the terms and conditions of the research study, including obligations for the recipient to report study progress every six months, publication rights, confidentiality and first option rights for Genzyme when an industrial application is anticipated.
Downloadable Documents
Contact Information
For questions regarding the GRIP scientific content please email Robert Guiberteau, MD at robert.guiberteau@genzyme.com. For questions regarding the GRIP application process, please email Joe Bankovich, Grant Program Administrator at grip@genzyme.com.
Important Treatment Considerations
Hectorol®
Hectorol is indicated for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (capsules) and in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on dialysis (capsules and injection). Hectorol is contraindicated in patients with a tendency towards hypercalcemia or evidence of vitamin D toxicity. Overdosage of any form of vitamin D is dangerous. Acute hypercalcemia may exacerbate tendencies for cardiac arrhythmias and seizures and may potentiate the action of digitalis drugs. Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to generalized vascular and soft tissue calcification. Pharmacologic doses of vitamin D and its derivatives should be withheld during Hectorol treatment to avoid possible additive effects and hypercalcemia. Magnesium-containing antacids and Hectorol should not be administered concomitantly. Adverse effects of Hectorol treatment are: hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypercalciuria, and oversuppression of iPTH. Adverse events reported by ≥ 5% of the Hectorol-treated predialysis patients included: infection, chest pain, constipation, dyspepsia, anemia, dehydration, depression, hypertonia, insomnia, paresthesia, increased cough, dyspnea, and rhinitis. Adverse events reported by ≥ 5% of the Hectorol-treated dialysis patients included: headache, malaise, bradycardia, nausea/vomiting, edema, dizziness, dyspnea, and pruritus. See Hectorol Capsules Full Prescribing Information or Hectorol Injection Full Prescribing Information or call Genzyme Medical Information at 1-800-847-0069.
Renvela®
Renvela® (sevelamer carbonate) and Renagel® (sevelamer hydrochloride) are indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on dialysis. Sevelamer is contraindicated in patients with hypophosphatemia or bowel obstruction. Caution should be exercised in patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, severe gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders including severe constipation or major GI tract surgery. Common adverse events reported with sevelamer include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and constipation. Other events reported include pruritus, rash, fecal impaction, and intestinal obstruction. Drug-drug interactions may occur with some medications and should be taken into consideration when instructing patients how to take sevelamer. Patients should be informed to take sevelamer with meals and to adhere to their prescribed diets. For more information, please see Full Prescribing Information for Renvela, Full Prescribing Information for Renagel or call Genzyme Medical Information at 1-800-847-0069.