The Mission
The Roche Foundation for Anemia Research is a registered medical research charity whose mission has been to encourage innovative research that will open new avenues of exploration in the study of anaemia, the agents needed for managing its treatment, its mechanisms and outcomes, neuro- and cardioprotective effect of erythropoietic drugs, and reaction of organs under hypoxic conditions. In particular, support has been provided to academic staff at universities, dialysis centres and research institutes.
The ultimate objective of the research supported has been to improve outcomes and encourage scientific advances in the described fields.
The results of the research activities supported has been and will continue to be published annually or bi-annually by the Foundation in a yearbook.

The Foundation
The Foundation is an independent medical research charity which provides operating grants to academic staff in universities and research institutes. The Foundation has been supporting academic research in anaemia, particularly where there is an unmet medical need.

The Funding
RoFAR, an independent, scientist-led and internationally-active medical research charity, has been administering an initial donation of 16 million Swiss Francs (CHF) provided by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Roche). As a sign of Roche's commitment to RoFAR, a further donation of 3 million CHF was provided for 2008.
With cycle X, the Foundation will conclude its valuable efforts in funding innovative anaemia-related research in 2012.

The Structure
Eight Trustees, including a Chairman, were charged with developing the strategy for the Foundation and developing the policy by revising the charter, and providing the framework within which the scientific decisions of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) are made. 
Senior medical and/or scientific professionals, recognised in their specialty, make up the SAB. The function of the SAB has been to evaluate, score and comment on the grant applications.

The Research Focus
In addition to focusing on anaemia related to kidney disease and oncology, the RoFAR has encouraged research into:
• Anaemia of chronic disease
• Anaemia related to congestive heart failure and stroke
• Effects of erythropoetic drugs on endothelium and brain

The 2010 RoFAR Annual Report is now available. Please access the download area for older issues.

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