The International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology, or ISPE, has presented Almut Winterstein, R.Ph., Ph.D., FISPE, with a special award for her contributions to public health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. She was one of nine ISPE members honored with the award at the 38th International Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology & Therapeutic Risk Management in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Winterstein received the award for her efforts in publishing a primer that discussed best practices of research surrounding the use of real-world data to address key questions relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to provide guidance to ensure the conduct of high-quality, real-world evidence studies on COVID-19 treatment and prevention. She organized the collaboration between ISPE and the FDA Foundation, which developed the primer on behalf of the FDA. In addition, she served as one of the editors and a chapter author. The primer became available on Sept. 26.
Winterstein currently serves as a distinguished professor and the Dr. Robert and Barbara Crisafi Chair of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. She is also the director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety. Winterstein joined ISPE in 2000 and has held numerous leadership roles in the organization, including a term as president from 2019-2020.