 |
 |
Lesley Murray Principal Project Manager: Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics |
"I joined Genentech in November 2003 as Associate Director of Small Molecule Translational Oncology. In that role, I built a new Pharmacology group to provide PK/PD and efficacy data in Oncology mouse models to support Genentech's small molecule program. Within four years, I hired six scientists and many skilled RAs and dosing technicians to form an effective group of 40 people. In 2006, I contributed the Pharmacology sections to the IND filings for GDC-0449 Hedgehog inhibitor, which is now in Phase II, and for GDC-0152 IAP antagonist, now in Phase I. I enjoyed the experience of being a member of the Pharmacology subteams (PST) for these two molecules, as well as contributing to the Core team for Mek inhibitor XL518."
Current Projects "In May 2008, I transitioned into my new role as Principal Project Manager within the DMPK group, leading an Oncology small molecule back-up research project in collaboration with Array, Boulder, Colorado. Also I support the lead kinase inhibitor for this target in Early Development, sitting on both the Core and PST teams. I am also dedicated to working with other project team leaders to ensure optimal use of PK/PD and early safety studies during the research phase. In addition, I am helping to link research and clinical PD efforts that are both so important to pick the right drug candidates and ensure that they effectively inhibit their targets in patients."
Inspiration/Vision "After contributing to the preclinical studies of multikinase inhibitor Sutent at SUGEN, I was excited to join Genentech Research to embrace the opportunity of new discovery and moving more small molecules into clinical trials. Genentech was particularly attractive because this company has already provided important new therapies to patients and currently has the opportunity to find successful combination therapies from the large armory of small molecules and both naked and armed antibodies. A turning point for me was 2004-05 when I experienced losing a wonderful colleague to colorectal cancer, during which I was myself diagnosed with pre-breast cancer (DCIS). Receiving radiation every day for six weeks and watching other patients go through this ordeal reinforced my hope that there must be a better way to conquer this terrible disease. This experience gives me an extra sense of urgency to move the right drugs and the right combinations forward to the patients who are desperately waiting for more efficacious therapies."