The following individuals and companies were honored at the 2004 NORD Tribute
Banquet in Washington, DC, on Monday, May 17.
NORD Health Leadership Awards
The Honorable Mike DeWine, United States Senator (R-OH)
Senator DeWine has been a leading advocate for children on a broad spectrum
of issues. He is being honored, in particular, for his contributions toward
increased research and improved medical treatments for pediatric disorders.
The Honorable Christopher Dodd, United States Senator (D-CT)
Senator Dodd is also well known for his staunch advocacy on children’s
issues. Among many other contributions, he has co-sponsored, with Senator DeWine,
legislation promoting the testing of pharmaceuticals in children to ensure that
pediatric dosage and side effects are well understood.
NORD Public Health Leadership Award
Janet Woodcock, MD
Acting Deputy Commissioner for Operations
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dr. Woodcock is being honored for her unwavering commitment to public health.
She is the Director of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER),
which is responsible for the regulation of prescription, over-the-counter and
generic drugs.
Corporate Awards
BioMarin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
BioMarin and Emil Kakkis, MD, PhD, a founder of the company, are being honored
for their pioneering efforts to bring Aldurazyme to market. This is an enzyme
replacement therapy for children affected by mucopolysaccharidosis type I (also
known as Hurler syndrome or Hurler-Scheie syndrome).
Genzyme Corporation
Genzyme, a biotechnology company, is being honored for its continuing efforts
and success in bringing new treatments for market for rare diseases. Genzyme
focuses its research and development efforts almost exclusively on orphan drugs
for rare genetic diseases.
Therapeutic Achievement Award
Stephen Arnon, MD
and
The California Department of Health Services
Dr. Arnon and the California Department of Health were selected because of their
commitment to developing and bringing to market a treatment known as "BabyBIG®"
for infant botulism despite more than two decades of disappointments, frustrations
and red tape.
Read about events on Capitol Hill, funding for rare-disease research, and other topics of interest from NORD's office in Washington, DC.
