Leo Pharma presents grants to young researchers

Leo Pharma has presented research grants to a pair of promising young European scientists responsible for innovative work in the dermatology field.

Claus Johansen and Charlotte Menne Bonefeld are to be provided with financial support by the Leo Pharma Research Foundation following a ceremony taking place in Copenhagen this week.

Mr Johansen has been provided with a Gold award of one million Danish kroner (115,900 pounds) for his research into the intracellular signals controlling inflammatory skin disorders, which has helped to further understanding of psoriasis.

Meanwhile, Ms Bonefeld receives a 500,000 kroner Silver award for studies showing the effect repeated exposure to strong allergens can have on the immune system.

Tore Duvold, chairman of the Leo Pharma Research Foundation's award selection committee, said: "Ultimately their research can lead to better care for patients with skin disorders. We hope that the awards can support their accomplishments in the future."

Earlier this week, the company announced that its research partnership with Aarhus University has enabled the creation of a cloned mini pig for use in the study of psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.