CROHN'S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA AND OXFORD INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION TO SPONSOR GROUNDBREAKING IBD SYMPOSIUM

Top IBD Professionals to Gather for Two-day Program

New York, NY - (March 2, 2005) – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), the leader in the fight against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and the Oxford Institute for Continuing Education have joined forces to establish a groundbreaking symposium to teach interested physicians and researchers how to conduct clinical trials in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research.

The two-day seminar, entitled "IBD Clinical Trials Course: Principles and Practice," is the latest effort in CCFA's long history of work to expand the field of IBD research. CCFA actively recruits talented investigators by funding basic and clinical projects for researchers at all stages of their career. CCFA is also committed to sponsoring continuing professional education programs, such as grantwriting seminars, medical conferences, and Webcasts. To date, CCFA has dedicated nearly $102 million to research that seeks the cause and cure of IBD.

"The field of IBD research is advancing every day. It's vital for clinicians to learn about these developments and collaborate successfully on future clinical trials and other research initiatives," said Rodger L. DeRose, president and CEO of CCFA. "This program is yet another example of our ongoing commitment to fund the best research anywhere in the world and to insure that patients receive the very best care available."

The seminar will be held on March 11-12, 2005 at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida. Upon completion of the program, participants should have a full understanding of the IBD clinical trial process, and be able to function as effective and productive investigators.

Topics include the epidemiology and pathogenesis of IBD, evidenced-based medicine in the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, a review of the IBD drug development pipeline and the future of IBD research, and the role of U.S. regulatory agencies in the development, conduct and funding of IBD clinical trials.

The activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The Oxford Institute for Continuing Education designates this seminar for a maximum of 14 Category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. To register for the IBD Clinical Trials Course or for more information, call 201-441-3550 or visit www.ccfa.org.  

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames the large intestine (colon) only. Symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Of the more than one million American adults and children suffering from these terrible diseases, at least 100,000 are under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About CCFA

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's (CCFA) mission is to cure and prevent Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 82 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact CCFA at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.

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