Mark Merchant

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.

• Genentech, Inc., Post-Doctoral Fellow – 2005
• Northwestern University, Ph.D. in Molecular Virology – 2001
• Iowa State University, B.S. in Biology – 1992

• Marketing Excellence Award – Genentech – 2013
• Florence Helen Raby Stone Memorial Award – Northwestern – 2001