DNA Unlocked: Unlocking the Genetics of Cancer

Mutations that develop over the course of life accumulate and contribute to cancer progression. Additionally, variations in people’s immune systems also affect the likelihood that they end up with cancer. Genomics and other -omics are giving researchers new insights into one of the world’s most feared collection of diseases.

In this episode, we talk to Angela Coxon, vice president of oncology research at Amgen, where she is responsible for the discovery, validation, and preclinical development of a broad range of oncology therapeutics. Coxon’s team is developing molecules to outfox cancer cells, including bispecific T cell engager molecules that tether a T cell to a cancer cell, thereby inducing the T cell to attack and kill the malignant cell. 

To dive further into this topic, please join Amgen scientists at the DNA Unlocked Q&A webinar discussion on September 15, 2021. Register for this event here: DNA Unlocked Q&A

 

DNA Unlocked is a special edition podcast series produced by The Scientist’s Creative services Team. This series is brought to you by Amgen, which is a pioneer in the science of using living cells to make biologic medicines. They helped invent the processes and tools that built the global biotech industry, and have since reached millions of patients suffering from serious illnesses around the world with their medicines.

Since the initial sequencing of the human genome almost twenty years ago, researchers have been enticed by an explosion of DNA data. These sequences hold the promise of understanding human biology, transforming drug research and development, and curing diseases. However, the quest to generate insights from human genetics and -omics research has been full of twists, turns, and roadblocks. In DNA UNLOCKED, Ray Deshaies, senior vice president of Global Research at Amgen, explores the ever-evolving perception of human biology and disease processes thanks to a growing mountain of genetics and omics data. Through discussions with colleagues and other leading research experts, Deshaies unpacks how drug developers decode human genetics to solve some of the most challenging diseases.