City of Hope names director of pharmaceutical initiatives

George Somlo, M D, has been appointed director of pharmaceutical initiatives at City of Hope.

Somlo, recognized for his research related to breast cancer and hematology, serves as professor with joint appointments in the departments of medical oncology/therapeutics research and hematology/hematopoietic cell transplantation. He also serves as president of City of Hope’s medical staff and a member of its board of directors.

In his new role, Somlo will develop relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovators and identify opportunities for collaboration with City of Hope researchers.

“City of Hope is a comprehensive cancer center conducting over 500 clinical trials each year, and our relationships with the pharmaceutical industry enable us to accelerate the successful translation of research discoveries into novel treatments,” Steven T. Rosen, MD, City of Hope’s provost and chief scientific officer, said in a press release. “Dr. Somlo’s unique combination of expertise in both oncology and hematology, as well as his deep experience in translational research, will grow these relationships and guide collaborations that will ultimately best serve our patients.”

Somlo is particularly interested in collaborations that focus on triple-negative breast cancer and overcoming breast cancer stem cell resistance.

He is principal or co-principal investigator for multiple trials related to breast cancer. He also is involved with several trials in multiple myeloma, including co-chairing a national trial that focuses on the role of single vs. tandem autologous stem cell transplantation and novel regimens.