Sanford-Burnham and Scripps Health enter joint translational medicine effort

Scripps Health and Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have formed a collaboration to bridge the gap between laboratory scientists uncovering new approaches for treating cancer and the physicians caring for patients with cancer.

Basic medical research often struggles to achieve the financing and support to convert significant breakthroughs into medical practice. The field of translational medicine- aimed at "translating" scientific research into treatments for patients- has developed to help ensure promising early-stage discoveries don't languish, but instead move into the drug development pipeline.

"San Diego is known for its scientific research and for its premier health care. This collaboration is the latest example of how Scripps and Sanford-Burnham are bringing the two together," said Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health.

This joint translational medicine effort combines the discovery research and laboratory science at Sanford-Burnham with Scripps' clinical science and network of physicians and patients. It will catalyze the discovery and development of innovative new therapies and diagnostics for cancer. As part of the collaboration, the two organizations intend to recruit a research-focused clinical oncologist to fill a joint faculty position at Scripps Clinic and Sanford-Burnham.

"Sanford-Burnham conducts world-class research dedicated to finding cures for human disease. Combining this with Scripps' expertise in clinical science and their large patient network, we will have opportunities to translate scientific discoveries into important new diagnostic and therapeutic medical advances," said Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D., president of Sanford-Burnham and director of the Institute's NCI-designated Cancer Center.

"The prospect of having a research-focused clinical oncologist holding a joint faculty position at a world-class medical research institute and a nationally ranked health system is precisely the type of arrangement necessary to encourage innovation that can lead to advancements in patient care," said Robert Sarnoff, M.D., president of Scripps Clinic Medical Group.