Alexandria, VA (March 2, 2011) – Darrell Abernethy, MD, PhD, is the 2011 recipient of the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT) William B. Abrams Award for Geriatric Clinical Pharmacology.

The William B. Abrams Award for Geriatric Clinical Pharmacology recognizes scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the field of geriatric clinical pharmacology. Established in 1996 with support from the Merck Company Foundation, the award honors William B. Abrams, MD. Dr. Abrams was president of ASCPT from 1975 to 1976 and led an illustrious career in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily at Merck Research Laboratories. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Abrams worked at the FDA as the first special government employee to help establish the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Staff College.

ASCPT will present the award to Dr. Abernethy on March 2, 2011, following the opening session of its 112th Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Abernethy is Associate Director for Drug Safety in the FDA’s Office of Clinical Pharmacology. He is a part-time Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and former Chief of the Laboratory of Clinical Investigation at the NIH National Institute on Aging. Dr. Abernethy’s research has explored the pathophysiology of aging to assess drug effects in elderly patients.

A member of ASCPT for nearly 30 years, Dr. Abernethy is an active participant in programs and professional organizations that promote safe and effective medical treatments for aged patients. He is an avid supporter of continuing education and training to improve the rational use of drugs.

About ASCPT
The American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics was established in 1900 to advance the science and practice of clinical pharmacology and rational therapeutics. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the Society is the largest scientific and professional organization serving the discipline of clinical pharmacology.

Contact:
Sharon Swan, CAE
CEO, ASCPT
703-836-6981
Sharon@ascpt.org

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