|
|
|
|
||
Blazing New Trails in Drug Discovery at Bristol Myers SquibbHow Bristol Myers Squibb is Shaping the Future of Medicine from San Diego Bristol Myers Squibb San Diego Research & Development Facility Imagining the future of medicine and healthcare is one thing, evolving those ideas from science fiction to science reality is quite another. But that’s exactly what the Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Research & Development site in San Diego is accomplishing. Located in the heart of San Diego’s cutting-edge life sciences ecosystem near La Jolla, the organization uses state-of-the-art technologies to better understand cancer and immunological diseases so it can bring forth novel scientific advances that ultimately lead to new medicines for people living with these diseases. “We’re exploring a wide variety of different therapeutic areas and modalities, so people have the opportunity to conduct research aligned with their specialty area, and also explore new areas of scientific innovation,” says Ho Sung Cho, senior vice president, Discovery Biotherapeutics and site head at BMS San Diego. “San Diego has always been a discovery center, and now we’re adding new team members and working toward long-term goals to further advance our industry-leading pipeline and enhance our capabilities. We’ve built a combined workforce that goes from discovery all the way to late development.” Developing Scientific Advances One of the many advances that researchers at BMS in San Diego are studying is protein homeostasis, the complex network of components that maintains the correct concentration, conformation and location of proteins in human cells — a vital function for maintaining health. BMS is looking to attack cancers that disrupt protein homeostasis through an approach called protein degradation, the process by which proteins are destroyed in a cell. With targeted protein degradation, researchers are harnessing the cell’s own machinery to degrade several classes of proteins that were previously considered “undruggable” to combat blood and solid tumor cancers, immunological diseases and more. “The research happening in the targeted protein degradation field is incredibly exciting right now. The years of discovery work and translational insights gathered from our targeted protein degraders in the clinic are fueling an industry-leading protein degradation pipeline,” explains Ingrid Wertz, executive director, Protein Homeostasis Center of Excellence at BMS San Diego. “There's a tremendous amount of pride in this research for the scientists here because there are, unfortunately, so many patients who struggle to find effective treatment options. This approach is already benefiting patients with cancers and other serious diseases, so it’s an exciting time to expand this initiative at BMS, in order to help even more patients.” With an ever-expanding team that already numbers 450 scientists, researchers and support staff, the San Diego site boasts several distinct industry capabilities including the Oncogenesis Thematic Research Center (TRC), Discovery Biotherapeutics, Neuroscience and Medicinal Chemistry and the Protein Homeostasis Center of Excellence. Ho Sung Cho, senior vice president, Discovery Biotherapeutics and San Diego site head “Our long-term goal is to ensure we are investing in identifying novel targets and molecular concepts that will further enhance our ability to treat people living with diseases,” says Cho. Another key component is Nonclinical Research and Development, which plays a critical role in transitioning the development of therapies from the early stages to helping submit marketing authorization applications to regulators. Dynamic Workplace Culture Beyond groundbreaking science, BMS San Diego is renowned for a dynamic workplace culture that enriches both the people who work there and the community as a whole. BMS employees have a wide variety of external opportunities to engage in their communities and be part of developing the next generation of scientists through local education programs. From Father Joe’s Village and the North County Food Bank to the San Diego chapters of the Association of Women in Science, BMS San Diego supports a variety of local health, science and community organizations. “It feels really good to be able to give back to this community,” says Bryan Simmons, a senior scientist and CLIMB chapter lead at BMS San Diego. “As someone who took a keen interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) when I was younger, I’m proud of our academic partnerships that give opportunities for students who are also interested in pursuing a career in STEM.” BMS has been able to provide internships for young scientists from universities across the country, and specifically in the San Diego area. Through the Cultivating Leadership and Innovation for Millennials and Beyond (CLIMB) program, BMS scientists and researchers participate in panel discussions at San Diego area elementary and junior high schools and become pen pals with students to nurture their passion for science in the hopes that they will continue to pursue academic and career opportunities in STEM fields. That passion carries over into the workforce at the BMS San Diego R&D site. “I have plenty of opportunities to advance my career,” says Michelle Vendel, principal scientist and avid participant of the B-NOW organization. “Whether it’s through one-on-one mentorship or attending a local webinar where I can learn a new skill — I know I can continue to grow at Bristol Myers Squibb.” A group of individuals receive a lab tour at a BMS facility The San Diego chapter of the BMS Network of Women (B-NOW) advocates for the career advancement of all women through a popular “Managing My Career” webinar series that helps guide career development. Morale is also buoyed by a commitment to create an inclusive, comfortable work environment for employees of all races, genders, ethnic groups and backgrounds. “We prioritize opportunities for employees of all walks of life to flourish and expand their careers,” explains Meghana Komati, associate director, Human Resources at BMS San Diego. “It’s essential to our values, business strategy and performance objectives.” BMS employees engage in a discussion It certainly makes for satisfied employees. “I come to work every day and I always feel incredibly welcomed and encouraged to be who I am,” says Soraya Carrancio, scientific director, Oncogenesis Translational Research. “The atmosphere here creates a collaborative environment where our scientific capabilities can take center stage and empower us to deliver innovative solutions for patients who need them.” For more information please click here |
return to message board, top of board |