Ep177: Kevin Parker on Finding Cancer Drug Targets
Apr 14, 2025
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Kevin Parker, CEO of Cartography Biosciences, reveals insights on discovering new cancer drug targets through innovative multi-omic tools. He shares his journey from a biologist in Pennsylvania to a leader in biotech, highlighting the personal drive behind his research. The discussion covers advancements in single-cell genomics, the challenges of drug discovery, and the potential impacts of targeted therapies on patient care. Parker emphasizes collaboration and strategic partnerships as key to navigating the complexities of cancer treatment innovation.
Cartography Biosciences employs multi-omic tools to discover novel cancer drug targets focused on identifying antigens specifically expressed on cancer cells.
Kevin Parker's scientific journey illustrates how a pivotal academic experience can reshape one's perspective, steering him towards impactful biotechnology leadership.
The partnership with Gilead Sciences highlights a collaborative approach aimed at enhancing cancer therapy development through shared research and resources.
Deep dives
Innovative Target Discovery in Cancer Treatment
Cartography Biosciences is focused on discovering novel cancer targets through multi-omic tools that map antigens specifically expressed on cancer cells. The current landscape of cancer treatment has a surplus of drugs targeting a limited number of existing antigens, creating a need for fresh and precise targets. By shifting focus towards unknown targets, the company aims to address this gap, responding to the industry's challenge of producing only a fraction of new targets relative to the rapid development of new drugs. This fresh approach not only opens new avenues for cancer therapy but also strives to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Foundational Experiences Driving Leadership
Kevin Parker’s personal journey into the biotech field was influenced heavily by his scientific upbringing, shaped by parents who were both organic chemists. Initially indifferent towards biology due to its memorization-heavy structure, a pivotal freshman class at Harvard reshaped his perception by emphasizing inquiry and curiosity in scientific exploration. This realization spurred his engagement in various research projects that later led him into graduate studies at Stanford, where he honed his focus on embryonic development and genomic tools. Parker's extensive academic and research background provided a solid foundation for his transition into a leadership role at Cartography, cementing his commitment to impactful scientific discovery.
Pioneering Single Cell Genomics
The company utilizes cutting-edge single cell genomics to analyze patient-derived tumor samples, a method that significantly enhances the resolution of cancer research. Previously utilized methods typically averaged findings across bulk samples, masking crucial data about individual cell behaviors and variability. With single cell analysis, Cartography can detect rare antigens and understand their roles in tumors, paving the way for a new class of targeted therapies. This technology empowers the identification of unique tumor signatures, ultimately aiding in the discovery of effective treatment options that can distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells.
Creating a Robust Research Platform
In its early years, Cartography prioritized building a platform that could consistently generate valuable biological insights and potential therapeutic targets. Year one focused on establishing this infrastructure through a combination of patient sample acquisition and advanced genomic analysis to validate promising targets. This foundational work revolved around rigorous data analysis and confirming the biological relevance of identified targets, setting the stage for meaningful progress in developing new therapies. The second year extended these efforts, applying the platform across multiple cancer indications to reinforce their target selection and further optimize research capabilities.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Aspirations
The partnership with Gilead Sciences represents a strategic collaboration to leverage complementary strengths in developing new cancer therapies targeting specific indications like lung adenocarcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer. Cartography's approach focuses on discovering novel antigens, which Gilead can then utilize through its extensive therapeutic modalities, creating a synergistic effect in the fight against cancer. Additionally, Cartography’s aim is to advance its own drug pipeline while working with partners to enhance research and resource sharing. This collaborative model aims to de-risk the drug development process, ultimately leading to innovations that could significantly improve patient outcomes in treating cancer.
