Brett Kopelan, Executive Director of DebRA of America, selected to sit on Peer Review Panel for Department of Defense

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
new york city, New York, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) August 4, 2011 -- Brett Kopelan, Executive Director of Debra of America, Inc., has been invited to serve as a reviewer on the Peer Review Medical Research Program (PRMRP) for the Department of Defense. In this role, Kopelan will assess whether grant proposals for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) research initiatives are scientifically and programmatically in line with the PRMRP’s mission.

EB was selected as one of twenty-one research topic areas eligible to apply to the Department of Defense’s $50 million appropriation. EB is a painful and debilitating genetic disorder with the primary manifestations of blistering and skin tears from the slightest friction or trauma. This genetic disorder not only affects the skin but also internal organs which result in a long list of secondary complications that require medical interventions from a host of medical specialists. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for EB. Palliative care and preventative bandaging are the only treatment options.

Consumer reviewers are asked to evaluate the potential impact of proposed research applications submitted to the PRMRP. As a Consumer Reviewer on the peer review panel, Kopelan will represent the collective needs and views of the entire EB community.

About Debra

Debra of America, incorporated more than thirty years ago, is the only national not-for-profit dedicated to both supporting research into cures and treatments for, while also providing programs and services to those who suffer from, EB.

About PRMRP

The PRMRP was established in 1999 to provide support for military health-related research. The program challenges the scientific and clinical communities to address one of the congressionally directed topic areas with new ideas and directions for research. The PRMRP’s objective for Fiscal Year 2011 is to improve the health and well-being of all military service members, veterans, and beneficiaries. The program seeks applications in laboratory, clinical, behavioral, and epidemiologic research as well as public health and policy; environmental sciences; nursing; occupational health; alternative therapies; ethics; and economics.

For more information about Debra of America or Epidermolysis Bullosa contact Debra of America at 212-868-1573 or visit http://www.debra.org.

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