Targeted therapies are a prime topic in oncology (we see this each year at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting), and while we’re proud of the work we do to advance targeted treatment, we recognize that we’re not the first to do so. Not by a long shot.

118 years ago, the brilliant—if notoriously absent-minded—Dr. Paul Ehrlich believed he could develop a “magic bullet” that could target specific pathogens, effectively isolating and eradicating the causes of disease. Along the way, many established minds in the field called him and his ideas crazy.

Undeterred by the critical voices of his time, Dr. Ehrlich remained dedicated to establishing a chemical language to communicate with cells, the drivers of many diseases, in order to find cures. Over the course of his illustrious career he was appointed the head of several labs, including The Institute for Experimental Therapy in Frankfurt. In 1908, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in immunology.

All these years later, we continue to pursue the dream of Dr. Ehrlich’s “magic bullet,” developing targeted therapies and following the science to help people with serious diseases. The challenges before us are significant, but we are as committed as ever to finding solutions.