New York, NY (March 5, 2012) – Today, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation held its first Accelerating Cancer Cures Research Symposium, focused on rebuilding the ranks of physician-scientists specially trained to translate laboratory discoveries into new cancer therapies. The event, held at Pfizer Inc headquarters, brought together academic scientists and other leading pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, Genentech, Merck, and Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company.
The symposium is the first of its kind since Damon Runyon, a New York-based foundation, launched its Accelerating Cancer Cures program in June 2011. Accelerating Cancer Cures is a five-year, multi-million dollar project that will train a new generation of exceptional clinical investigators capable of translating the latest scientific discoveries into new diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer patients. The initiative also eliminates barriers to progress by fostering communication and collaboration between academia and industry. It is supported by some of the world's leading companies and The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
"We risk losing tremendous ground in our effort to find cures for cancer if we cannot attract new talent and new ideas to clinical research," said Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation President and CEO Lorraine Egan when the program launched. "Our best hope for crucial breakthroughs to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer lies with the committed young scientists who will be able to pursue critical translational research thanks to this effort."
Scientists from the nation's leading research institutions, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, traveled to New York to attend.
Pfizer Vice President Jamey R. Skillings, MD, MSc, MBA, led a discussion on targeted therapies for cancer, and Celgene Vice President Rajesh Chopra, MD, PhD, chaired a session on immunotherapies. They were joined by twenty Damon Runyon-funded scientists.
The day ended with a panel discussion, moderated by Damon Runyon Chief Scientific Officer Yung S. Lie, PhD, about navigating the boundaries between industry and academia and overcoming barriers to collaboration and translational research.
About Accelerating Cancer Cures
Accelerating Cancer Cures addresses the critical shortage of clinical researchers working on breakthroughs in cancer treatments and cures. Under the leadership of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and with the support of industry and academia, this project will foster the talent desperately needed to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Accelerating Cancer Cures is supported by some of the world's leading companies including: Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, Merck, Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Pfizer, and The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). For more information, visit www.damonrunyon.org/accelerate.
About the Foundation
To accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today's best young scientists with funding to pursue innovative cancer research. The Foundation supports emerging leaders who have great potential to achieve breakthroughs in how we diagnose, treat and prevent cancer. Since its founding in 1946, Damon Runyon has invested over $245 million and funded more than 3,300 early career scientists.
100% of all donations to the Foundation are used to support scientific research. Its administrative and fundraising costs are paid from its Damon Runyon Broadway Tickets Service and endowment.
For more information visit http://www.damonrunyon.org.