Arthritis Foundation Bestows Prestigious National Research Award
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Carol Galbreath
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ATLANTA, Dec. 2, 2009 – The Arthritis Foundation announced the 2009 winner of the Lee C. Howley Sr. Prize for Arthritis Research during the organization’s national meeting on Nov. 20 in Atlanta. The recipient, John O’Shea, M.D., of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was awarded the honor for his continued research advancements in the treatment and control of rheumatic diseases.
O’Shea is recognized for identifying key biochemical steps by which regulatory proteins exert their effects in immunologic and rheumatic diseases. These findings have led to the development of a new class of immunosuppressive drugs that have significantly improved treatment options for people living with various forms of arthritis and arthritis-related diseases.
Graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Lawrence University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Cincinnati, O’Shea has served as an intern and resident in internal medicine at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. He came to the NIH in 1981 for subspecialty training in allergy and immunology in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
O’Shea did additional postdoctoral work in the Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. He started his own group in the National Cancer Institute in 1989 and then moved to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) in 1994 as chief of the Lymphocyte Cell Biology Section of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch. He was appointed chief of the Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch in 2002 and became scientific director and director of the Intramural Research Program of NIAMS in 2005.
In 2007, O’Shea won the first Making a Difference Award at the NIH for his strong advocacy efforts for diversity across the NIH and his outstanding example of the creative possibilities for enhancing diversity within his institute. Dr. O'Shea has received a number of other awards, including U.S. Public Health Service Physician Researcher of the Year, NIH Director's Award and Irish Immunology Society’s Public Lecture Award.
Each year, the Howley Prize recognizes researchers whose contributions during the previous five years have represented a significant advance in the understanding, treatment or prevention of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. The recognition that this program offers for excellence in arthritis research will ensure that the search will continue for cures to more than 100 forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $415 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.
