Karl Rickels, MD
Karl Rickels, MD, Stuart and Emily B.H. Mudd professor of Human Behavior and professor of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has received the 2012 “CINP Pioneers in Psychopharmacology Award” from the International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP). Established in 2002 and given every two years, the awards honor three individuals worldwide who have made major contributions to the field.
Rickels, one of the Founding Members of the CINP in 1958, received the award for his groundbreaking work in the development of medications to treat anxiety disorders. Supported continuously by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grants from 1959 to 2010, Rickels has contributed significantly to the development of anti-anxiety medications introduced into medicine since 1955. One of those grants was funded for 32 consecutive years – an NIMH record.
Rickels is co-director of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Treatment and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, and a Charter and Life Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP). Rickels has written or edited ten books and authored or co-authored more than 590 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and reviews.
Rickels has served on advisory committees for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), including chairing the FDA-OTC Review Committee on over-the-counter daytime and nighttime sedatives and stimulants.
Rickels was recognized with a plaque at the CINP’s 28th bi-annual meeting in Stockholm, Sweden in June. Also receiving the award this year are William Bunney, USA and Moussa B.H. Youdim, Israel.
(Penn Med)
