FAIRFIELD, N.J., March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Stephen L. DeFelice of Westfield, NJ, was awarded the 2013 UNICO National Marconi Science Award by UNICO National President David Donnini at a gala award ceremony attended by UNICO National officers and dignitaries from across the country during UNICO's Board of Directors meeting in Las Vegas, NV.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130325/PH82207)
Dr. DeFelice, an accomplished researcher, physician, author and advocate, launched pioneering research into the use of carnitine for a number of medical purposes and conducted the first clinical trial with it in the United States. He sponsored and undertook a series of laboratory studies which demonstrated that carnitine had multiple beneficial cardiovascular and other medical effects.
Through his further research and efforts he secured FDA approval for two clinical indications for the use of carnitine – Primary Carnitine Deficiency, a fatal disease in children and for renal dialysis patients. As a result many children's lives have been saved and the quality of life of dialysis patients improved. He is currently undertaking the initiation of clinical studies using carnitine on patients with ovarian cancer.
Dr. DeFelice is a prolific author with books covering multiple medical and pharmacological topics as well as novels. He is an advocate for accelerating the path for medical discovery through FIM, The Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, which he founded. In concert with his long history in applying carnitine for medical purposes he has advocated the vast medical potential for natural substances. He is credited with coining the term "nutraceutical" and has secured several patents for his work in applying natural substances to treat several medical conditions and diseases.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. DeFelice described his work, his pride in his Italian heritage and his appreciation for being selected. He stated, "I am truly honored to receive this award from UNICO National and it is a sincere pleasure to be recognized by such a great Italian American organization."
"We are so pleased to have such an outstanding recipient of the UNICO National Marconi Science Award," commented Andre' DiMino, Marconi Science Award Chair and Past National President of UNICO. "Dr. DeFelice exemplifies the great accomplishments and contributions of Italian Americans to technology and science that UNICO honors each year with this prestigious award."
UNICO's Marconi Science Award is presented to a U.S. citizen of Italian descent involved in the physical sciences. The Award was established in 1995 to annually recognize a living scientist who exemplifies Marconi's vast scientific and creative accomplishments through their own life achievements.
UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in the U.S., was founded in Waterbury, CT in 1922. Members work to support charitable, educational, scientific and literary causes while promoting Italian heritage and combating negative stereotyping.
Contact:
Pat Pelonero, 973-808-0035, Email
or
Andre' DiMino, 201-739-6000, Email