GRIP - Genzyme Renal Innovations Program

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 2008

• Mechanisms of stem cell mediated renal repair
• Osteocytes and phosphate homeostasis in renal disease
• Novel molecular pathways that regulate mineral metabolism and/or adynamic bone disease
• Contributions of ciliary dysfunction to abnormal epithelial cell growth in renal diseases
• Chemokine regulation in renal disease

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 January 7, 2008. 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 via email by February 25, 2008 whether or not the Review Board recommends they submit a full research proposal.

Step 4. Proposal Submission. Requested Proposals must reach Genzyme by March 31, 2008. Download the Proposal Writing Instructions here. Completed proposals should be uploaded using the webcargo secure link.

Step 5. Grants Announcement. Grant recipients will be announced in May 2008 at the European Renal Association / European Dialysis and Transplant Association Annual Congress in Stockholm.

Step 6. Research Agreements Signed. A research agreement will be signed and payments made in semi-annual installments beginning in September 2008.

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

Important Treatment Considerations

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.