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GH research gets an innovative touch
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It takes some creativity to produce meaningful change in the practice of endocrinology. Whether in the laboratory or the clinic, being able to find solutions that may not be readily apparent is critical. That’s why innovators like John J. Kopchick, MS, PhD, play important roles in expanding and improving the field of endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is recognizing that role by presenting Kopchick with its Innovation Award at ENDO 2019 for his work in growth hormone research.
A Goll-Ohio Eminent Scholar and distinguished professor of molecular biology in the department of biomedical sciences at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Edison Biotechnology Institute at Ohio University, Kopchick has an innovative approach that led to a discovery of GH receptor antagonists that helped create the drug known as Somavert (pegvisomant, Pfizer) used for patients with acromegaly.
In a conversation with Endocrine Today, Kopchick took a few minutes away from innovating to discuss what brought him into the medical field, his passion for GH research and his admiration for Charles Dickens and Mozart.
What was the defining moment that led you to your field?
Kopchick: I was a history major upon entering the university. As a freshman, I had to take Intro to Biology. When the professor pointed out that we all “start” from a one-cell fertilized egg and end up with trillions of differentiated cells in diverse organs, like heart, kidney, skin, eyes, etc, I was impressed and thought, “Hey, this is cool. I need to get into biology.’” Then, having the ability to work with two great individuals, Drs. Richard Hartline and Ralph Arlinghaus “sealed the deal.”
What area of research in endocrinology most interests you right now , and why?
Kopchick: Of course, it is the biological actions of growth hormone. Is there anything else? Growth hormone has many biological activities in addition to promoting growth; thus, I believe it’s an ideal molecule for basic and clinical research.
What advice would you offer a student in medical school today?
Kopchick: Passion, passion, passion! Whatever you end up doing, do it as a profession, not as a job.
And if you have a problem and approach your supervisor with it, state the issue and then give an idea or two for a solution. Your boss will be impressed.
What was the last book you read , and what did you think of it?
Kopchick: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. I love the dickens out of Dickens. Second time I have read this one and plan to re-read Great Expectations next.
Whom do you most admire and what would you ask that person if you had 5 minutes with him/her?
Kopchick: Mozart, a true genius. I’d ask him two questions: Who do you admire most as a composer and how are you at math?
Have you ever been fortunate enough to witness or to be part of medical history in the making? If so, please explain.
Kopchick: Our discovery of growth hormone receptor antagonists is an amazing story filled with “adventure, fun and serendipity.” We lived through the process of discovery of a compound and seeing it translated into an approved drug. During this process, learning the many issues related to approval of a compound as a drug was truly enlightening and made me appreciate the input of the regulatory agencies for each approved drug. And, issues related to financing the development of a particular compound is eye-opening.
What do you think will have the greatest influence on your field in the next 10 years?
Kopchick: Bioinformatics as a function of clinically relevant indications and the ability to analyze single, unique cells at the molecule level.
What’s up next for you?
Kopchick: Discovering another drug, having fun with my research group, enjoying happenings with my wife, Char, and our dogs, playing a little golf and appreciating novel craft beers and wines.