Gail Lewis, PhD

Distinguished Scientist, Discovery Oncology at Genentech

Speaker

For more than 30 years, I have headed a tumor cell biology/preclinical drug development lab in Genentech Research, with a focus on therapeutic antibodies and ADCs. We investigate target selection and target biology, with the goal of understanding the optimal large molecule modality for each target and indication. My early contributions studying the HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase were important for the development and approvals of trastuzumab, pertuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine. We have continued our ADC efforts with a focus on diverse targets across both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, working with an expanded arsenal of novel linker-drugs, including more targeted, non-chemotherapy ADC payloads.

I received my undergraduate degree in Microbiology at the University of Texas at Austin, and performed my graduate work in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. I joined Genentech shortly thereafter, and have been with Genentech for 40 years. My current role is Distinguished Scientist.