Allergan donates to AASLD Foundation research, education initiatives

Allergan has announced it has made a significant donation to support the AASLD Foundation’s hepatology research and education initiatives.

“Allergan is focused on identifying, developing and bringing forward innovative treatments for patients with significant unmet medical needs, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The Foundation’s efforts in research and training are directly aligned with several of the principles of Allergan’s Social Contract with Patients, making this an ideal organization for our philanthropy,” Gavin Corcoran, MD, FACP, Allergan’s chief medical officer, said in a press release. “This donation underscores Allergan’s commitment to supporting research and educational initiatives that advance medical innovation and the ability to save more lives, which is possible through increased research and enhanced hepatology training opportunities.”

The contribution makes Allergan a part of the AASLD Foundation’s Founder’s Society, which honors donors who partner with the foundation to expand resources for research in liver disease and training in advanced hepatology, according to the press release. Companies belonging to the Founder’s Society have each contributed $2 million or more to support the foundation’s efforts.

“AASLD Foundation is proud of the impact we are making,” Bruce Bacon, MD, FAASLD, chair of the AASLD Foundation’s board of trustees, said in the press release. “In 2016, we invested $2.63 million to fund the ideas of bright young investigators and to provide training opportunities for future hepatology leaders. However, we know there is so much more to be done, and we are grateful that Allergan recognizes that, too. This donation signifies Allergan’s partnership in the fight against liver disease and its desire for a long-term investment in the discovery of innovative treatment options that promise improved patient care as well as training more professionals to care for liver disease patients.”

The donation will help to reduce a nearly $4 million-dollar annual gap needed for research funding and career development in the next several years, Bacon added.

“This commitment will also ensure new resources are created through initiatives like the Foundation’s Fundamentals of Liver Disease so more professionals are trained to care for liver disease patients,” he said.

Disclosures: Corcoran is employed by Allergan.