Internationally recognized for developing novel cancer treatment methods based on counteracting abnormal genetic changes, which either activate oncogenic signaling pathways or eliminate tumor suppressors, Dr. McCormick discovered the first Raf kinase and CDK4 kinase inhibitors entering the clinic. He also developed the first therapeutic agent designed to kill cells deficient in p53 or RB; new approaches to targeting the Ras pathway; and ways of using systemic siRNA or plasmid DNA as therapeutic platforms for treating cancer.
Dr. McCormick’s laboratory continues to work on ways of treating cancer based on alterations in the Ras pathway, as well as other oncogenic drivers and tumor suppressors. While serving as head of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Dr. McCormick was able to apply these types of approach to the development of sorafenib (Nexavar), effective in treating liver cancer and kidney cancer.
Career Highlights
2018 The Centenary Award, Biochemical Society
2012-2013 President, AACR
2010 Science of Oncology Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology
2008 Salute to Excellence Award, American Liver Foundation
2005 Elected Member, Institute of Medicine
2003 Simon M. Shubitz Award, University of Chicago Cancer Research Center
2002-2005 Board of Directors, AACR
2002 AACR-G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award
2002 Novartis Drew Award in Biomedical Research
1997-present Dixon Heise Distinguished Professor in Oncology; David A. Wood Distinguished Professor of Tumor Biology and Cancer Research; University of California, San Francisco
1996 Fellow of the Royal Society
1992-1993 Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Onyx Pharmaceuticals
1991-1992 Vice President, Research, Chiron Corporation
1981-1990 Director of Molecular Biology, Cetus Corporation
1975 PhD, University of Cambridge