Member SpotlightsDeveloping Novel Anti-Cancer Stem Cells Therapies Dr. Feridoun Karimi-Busheri A Science Advisory Board Member Since 2001  Dr. Karimi-Busheri is a Senior Investigator and Head of the Stem Cell Program at NovaRx Corporation. Professional Background: I work at NovaRx Corporation. NovaRx is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel cell-based therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer. Educational Background: I received my Ph.D. in human genetics from the University of Wales, in the United Kingdom. Professional Background: In the past, I have worked as an Associate Professor at the University of Ahwaz, Iran. I have also conducted research at the University of Alberta in Canada. As a Senior Research Associate, I was able to investigate mechanisms of transformation and tumor progression. What are some of your academic and professional research interests?: Prior to joining NovaRx, I was a researcher at the University of Alberta in Canada. My research was focused on tumor biology and the understanding of mechanisms that underlie transformation and tumor progression in breast cancer stem cells (Breast Cancer Res. 12, 2010). At NovaRx my primary interest is tumor initiating cells, better known as cancer stem cells. I have a wide range of interest in this field from basic research to translational research. It includes: drug and biomarkers discovery, pathways that govern stem cells, and cryopreservation of stem cells. My research is directed towards developing novel anti-cancer stem cells therapies, including cell-based therapeutic vaccines, signaling pathways targeted therapy, biomarker discovery, and biobanking. Among these, cell-based therapeutic vaccines are central in our drug development strategy. Although the company's current Phase III clinical trials are for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer, the majority of other forms of cancer are expected to be susceptible to NovaRx's vaccine approach. Based on the accumulating evidence that propose “cancer stem cells” may be essential for development, progression, and metastasis of malignancies, the development of new therapies to eradicate cancer stem cells in patient is of utmost importance. To meet this challenge we have set the goal of developing cancer stem cell therapeutic vaccines and utilize them in our whole tumor cell lung cancer therapeutic vaccine cocktail, Lucanix. In a previous phase II clinical trial, we showed a highly significant survival difference between Lucanix and conventional institutional therapies. The results of clinical trials were provocative but only 70 percent of patients showed a clinical response to the vaccine. We believe that the inclusion of TGF-β antisense gene modified cancer stem cells in the vaccine cocktail may lead to enhanced effectiveness of Lucanix which is fulfilling an unmet medical need. Parallel to direct drug development strategy, we also pay close attention to basic and translational research. Hence, we are pursuing a solid and well developed research program in targeted signaling pathways and biomarker discovery. Recently, we are interested in looking at the different aspects of cryopreservation and long time storage of cells on tumor initiating cells. Are you a member of any professional societies or organizations?: I am member of various societies and publications, including, but not limited to: The Canada Research Chairs Program College of Reviewers and the International Society for Stem Cell research. I am also the co-founder of The Biosocial Society, U.K. I am the associate editor of the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Steroids & Hormonal Science. I serve on the review board of numerous professional journals. In addition, I widely published in many peer-reviewed journals, including: Cell, Molecular Cells, PNAS, and Cancer Research. My Ph.D. work was published in Nature and was later the subject of a BBC Wales television program. Can you tell us about your hobbies and other interests?: I am a fanatic soccer fan, in particular of the English Premier League. I frequently write and publish short stories and literary critiques in my mother tongue, Farsi, in Iranian literary magazines outside Iran, and I am a member of Canadian Writers Association-PEN. Painting is also a very serious aspect in my life. My first exhibition was in La Jolla Art and Wine Festival in 2009 and I am preparing my work for a second exhibition this upcoming fall in San Diego. What motivated you to pursue a career in a scientific field?: I love what I do. Science is an inseparable part of my life. The scientist’s mind is a blend of curiosity and passion. Having one is not enough. Science becomes an adventurous journey that remains with the scientist day and night, at work and at home, in active life, and in retirement. ### << Previous Next >> [ View All Member Spotlights ] |
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