DISCOVERIES

March 2023

Sanford Burnham Prebys celebrates one of its legends


To celebrate Distinguished Professor Emertius Erkki Ruoslahti, M.D., Ph.D.'s distinguished career and Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, Sanford Burnham Prebys hosted a special lecture and reception for employees and supporters of the Institute.


“Erkki’s illustrious career is one that keeps us all inspired—me, especially, as I follow in his footsteps in leading this Institute,” says David A. Brenner, M.D., president and CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys. “His Lasker Award win is so very much deserved. Not only does it recognize his outstanding influence in the field, but it also elevates the status of our Institute in the research community.”


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Heart attack study could change the game in regenerative medicine


Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers have identified a group of proteins that could be the secret to cellular reprogramming, an emerging approach in regenerative medicine in which scientists transform cells to repair damaged or injured body tissues.

The researchers were able to reprogram damaged heart cells to repair heart injuries in mice following a heart attack.


The study, led by Alexandre Colas, Ph.D., could one day transform the way we treat a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s and neuromuscular diseases.


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Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers awarded $2.6M to discover pancreatic cancer drugs


Cosimo Commisso, Ph.D., and Susanne Heynen-Genel, Ph.D., received a grant from the NCI to advance a new treatment approach for pancreatic cancer.

The four-year, $2.6 million project will identify potential drugs that can manipulate the pH of cells to stop pancreatic tumors from growing. The promising approach would selectively kill pancreatic cancer cells without affecting surrounding healthy cells.


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Sanford Burnham Prebys elects Professor Nicholas Cosford to its Board of Trustees


“Scientists are the lifeblood of our research institute, and the interaction between our scientists and our Board of Trustees needs to be strengthened,” says President and CEO David Brenner, M.D. 

“A logical step in this process is to have representation from faculty on the Board so their perspective is included in key decisions. With his extensive experience in academia and industry, as well as his tenure here at the Institute, I am confident that Nick is the ideal person to fill this role.”


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COMMUNITY

Padres Pedal the Cause 2023: Team Sanford Burnham Prebys raises $50,000 for cancer research


“Padres Pedal the Cause is a chance for the cancer community to come together and remember why collaboration is so important in cancer research,” says bike rider Ze’ev Ronai, Ph.D., director of the Institute’s NCI-designated Cancer Center.


“Virtually all of us know somebody who has been impacted by cancer, including me. This is my fifth Padres Pedal the Cause, and every year I’m so proud to be part of our Institute’s team and help contribute to cancer research outside the lab.”


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Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers awarded Curebound Discovery grants


Each year, Sanford Burnham Prebys joins Padres Pedal the Cause, an annual fundraising event that raises money to fund collaborative cancer grants in the San Diego area. These grants, called Curebound Discovery Grants, are awarded to support innovative research in the fight to cure cancer.


Four researchers from Sanford Burnham Prebys were recently awarded Discovery Grants: Anindya Bagchi, Ph.D., Lukas Chavez, Ph.D., Nicholas Cosford, Ph.D. and Michael Jackson, Ph.D.


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Behind the scenes at Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Cancer Center


The Institute’s NCI-designated Cancer Center hosted an open house to showcase the latest research advances in cancers of the digestive system. The event was sponsored by the center’s Community Advisory Board, which provides a link to community networks of people—including patients, survivors and their loved ones.


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YOU MAKE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE

Care for all you love


From exploring pancreatic cancer treatment to genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, you have made our efforts possible over the last 46 years. Sanford Burnham Prebys is grateful for your generosity, and we’re looking forward to all that is possible with you by our side.

Smiling older asian couple with arms around each other

Since you are an important part of the Sanford Burnham Prebys family, we want to share a free resource with you that is available to you and your loved ones.


Sanford Burnham Prebys has partnered with FreeWill to offer a free and easy online estate planning tool that guides you through creating your will in as little as 20 minutes. While it’s likely that you already have a will, this may help your loved ones who may not have plans in place.

Care for all I love
FreeWill logo

Prioritizing this simple act of self-care can also support Sanford Burnham Prebys with an optional legacy gift in your will. This costs nothing today but powers our cutting-edge research for generations, saving and changing countless lives. Please know that FreeWill is free to use whether or not you choose to include a gift.


For years, we’ve been committed to finding cures for human disease and improving quality of life. Let’s continue to care for ourselves and our community so that Sanford Burnham Prebys can continue making lifesaving discoveries for years to come.

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