W. Robert Bishop, Ph.D.
Bob Bishop received his PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Connecticut Health Center, followed by five years of post-doctoral research at Duke University Medical Center. He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and several comprehensive reviews, primarily in the area of signal transduction in cancer cells. Bob has over 20 years experience in oncology drug discovery and early development from target validation through clinical proof of concept at Schering-Plough Research Institute and Merck Research Labs. He retired from his position as Executive Director, Oncology at Merck in March 2011 and has been serving as an independent consultant in oncology since that time.
At Schering-Plough, Bob led a research team of 75 scientists conducting drug discovery research in oncology and virology. This group worked with colleagues in medicinal chemistry and other discovery functions to contribute to the progression of 11 compounds into preclinical development; 8 of these molecules advanced into the clinic for the treatment of cancer and hepatitis C. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of signal transduction pathways in cancer cells and cancer pharmacology and has expertise in oncology drug discovery and early development, including the implementation of biomarkers for patient selection and target engagement.
One major area of scientific focus has been the development of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI) lonafarnib in cancer and Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, a rare premature aging disorder. His group made critical contributions to the understanding of the biology of FTIs in cancer. He worked closely with the Progeria Research Foundation to advance clinical testing of lonafarnib in children with progeria.
Bob also serves on the review panel for the NIH program on Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND).
At Schering-Plough, Bob led a research team of 75 scientists conducting drug discovery research in oncology and virology. This group worked with colleagues in medicinal chemistry and other discovery functions to contribute to the progression of 11 compounds into preclinical development; 8 of these molecules advanced into the clinic for the treatment of cancer and hepatitis C. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of signal transduction pathways in cancer cells and cancer pharmacology and has expertise in oncology drug discovery and early development, including the implementation of biomarkers for patient selection and target engagement.
One major area of scientific focus has been the development of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI) lonafarnib in cancer and Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, a rare premature aging disorder. His group made critical contributions to the understanding of the biology of FTIs in cancer. He worked closely with the Progeria Research Foundation to advance clinical testing of lonafarnib in children with progeria.
Bob also serves on the review panel for the NIH program on Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND).