Cornelis Hop Director: Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics Profile | Education/Background | Top Scientific Papers | Awards & Honors

"I joined Genentech in 2007 as director of the small molecule Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics department. The mission of the DMPK department is to enable the discovery, selection, development, and commercialization of safe and effective medicines for significant unmet medical needs by elucidating the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and pharmacokinetic properties of small molecule drug candidates. We accomplish this through application of state-of-the-art technologies and sciences of drug metabolism and disposition, bioanalysis, innovative thinking, effective collaboration and teamwork."

Current Projects "Although we are involved with several therapeutic areas, Genentech's strength lies in its deep knowledge of the biology as it relates to oncology. Our goal is to contribute to small molecule drugs which will be as successful as Genentech's many biological drugs. The ADME science related to small molecule drug discovery and development is a rapidly evolving field and we have great opportunities to apply the latest science to identify molecules that combine potency, efficacy, safety with superior drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties."

Collaborations "Team work is an essential component of our work. We work closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, pharmaceutical scientists and many others on project teams. Drug discovery and development continues to be extremely challenging and success is only achievable by integrating the contributions from excellent scientists here at Genentech. Having everyone on one campus is ideal, because you can simply walk over and discuss the latest data and next steps."

Inspiration/Vision "Many of us have relatives affected by debilitating and sometimes terminal diseases. It is hard to top the personal satisfaction that can be derived from knowing that we are improving and extending the lives of patients."