A drug discovered in the lab of Nicholas Cosford, Ph.D., professor and deputy director of the NCI-designated Cancer Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys, has entered a Phase I clinical study. The compound, SBP-9330, targets a neuronal signaling pathway underlying addictive behaviors and would be a first-in-class oral therapeutic to help people quit smoking. The goal of the study is to determine the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of SBP-9330 in humans and a safe dose for further clinical development.

Under the terms of a newly formed strategic partnership, USC researchers will collaborate with scientists at our Institute's Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics (Prebys Center) to transition clinically relevant cancer targets to early-stage drug discovery. "We are looking forward to working with USC to develop innovative screens to identify drugs that can potentially improve the outcomes of people living with cancer," says Michael Jackson, Ph.D., senior vice president of Drug Discovery and Development at the Prebys Center.

It wasn’t long ago when we first heard about the promise of stem cells. They were the wave of the future. We are now on the path to reap the benefits of breakthrough research to improve human health. Hear from Evan Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., on how stem cells are on the forefront of treatments and cures for diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, osteoarthritis and so many other health conditions that negatively affect our lives.

At Sanford Burnham Prebys, we're passionate about finding bold new ways to treat disease, and we recognize the importance of sharing our discoveries with the public—especially during this unprecedented time. Find out where and when you can "meet" our scientists virtually and learn about their research in this community event calendar.