Genentech: Mark Merchant | Senior Director, Translational Oncology, Research Biology

Scientists / Our Scientists

"Genentech is a terrific place to do science. There is a terrific blend of cutting-edge basic research and innovate translational science all aimed at one thing – improving the lives of patients. It’s a terrifically rewarding environment to work in, both professionally and personally."

Years at Genentech

Publications at Genentech

Awards & Honors

I received my Ph.D. in Richard Longnecker’s lab studying Epstein Barr viral proteins that signal to maintain viral latency, contributing to oncogenesis (Northwestern University – 2001). Following my graduate work I joined the lab of Frederic de Sauvage at Genentech as a post-doctoral fellow where I studied components of the Hedgehog pathway and how they mediate oncogenic signaling. In 2005 I joined the Department of Translational Oncology as a Scientist and have since worked on developing numerous small and large molecule cancer therapeutics.

At Genentech we strive to bring innovative and life-saving therapies to patients who urgently need them. With this focus we take on some of the most challenging problems in a highly collaborative and effective way. I feel honored to work side-by-side with some of the smartest, most creative and dedicated scientists rising to this challenge every day.

Featured Publication

Combined MEK and ERK inhibition overcomes therapy-mediated pathway reactivation in RAS mutant tumors.

PLoS One. 2017 Oct 5;12(10):e0185862.

Merchant M, Moffat J, Schaefer G, Chan J, Wang X, Orr C, Cheng J, Hunsaker T, Shao L, Wang SJ, Wagle MC, Lin E, Haverty PM, Shahidi-Latham S, Ngu H, Solon M, Eastham-Anderson J, Koeppen H, Huang SA, Schwarz J, Belvin M, Kirouac D, Junttila MR.

View Abstract

I lead a group of talented scientists who utilize cell-based and animal models to develop and assess the activity of potential therapies. Our work focuses on targeting key drivers of tumor growth, including dysfunctional oncogenic signaling pathways, as well as key nodes of regulation in the immune system. We generate data in support of programs ranging from early stage research, in collaboration with our colleagues in Discovery Oncology and Cancer Immunology, to post-regulatory approval, with our colleagues in Late Stage Development. Our overall goal is to guide the development of and maximize the impact of our therapeutics on improving patient outcomes in the clinic.

The work my lab does supports project teams in a number of ways. First, we provide essential data to establish the relationship between drug exposure, pharmacodynamics and tumor response. Second, we inform teams on target diagnostics and biomarker pharmacodynamics, key pieces of information that help guide clinical trial design. Third, our work helps identify mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance. Lastly, our group aims to better assess existing and novel combination strategies to enable better clinical outcomes for patients.

Venetoclax increases intratumoral effector t cells and antitumor efficacy in combination with immune checkpoint blockade

Cancer Discovery, ISSN: 21598290 21598274

Frederick J. Kohlhapp; Dipica Haribhai; Rebecca Mathew; Ryan Duggan; Paul A. Ellis; Rui Wang; Elisabeth A. Lasater; Yan Shi; Nimita Dave; Jacob J. Riehm; Valerie A. Robinson; An Do; Yijin Li; Christine Orr; Deepak Sampath; Aparna Raval; Mark Merchant; Anahita Bhathena; Ahmed Hamed Salem; Keith M. Hamel; Joel D. Leverson; Cherrie Donawho; William N. Pappano; Tamar Uziel

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Mark Merchant

Senior Director, Translational Oncology, Research Biology

Featured Publication

Combined MEK and ERK inhibition overcomes therapy-mediated pathway reactivation in RAS mutant tumors.