After spending over 15 years as a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry, Nathan Tumey joined Binghamton University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Tumey is a leading expert in antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) technology in which the specificity of an antibody is used to deliver a drug to specific tissue types. “One of major challenges in the development of ADCs is how and where to attach the drug to the antibody,” Tumey explained, noting that the site of attachment is important to the safety and efficacy of the ADC.
His lab has developed new ADC technology that relies on an enzyme known as legumain that is overexpressed in a variety of diseases, including cancer. Working in collaboration with National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers, Tumey is using the technology to target Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare pediatric cancer.
Tumey received a TAF Class of 2024 investment to support a three-way collaboration between NIH researchers and Manhattan BioSolutions. The funding will be used to optimize the technology so that the team can select the best molecule for clinical development.
"Noting that this innovation is a chemical technology that is relevant to multiple drug applications, Tumey believes that it may be useful in cancers beyond RMS." The industry- turned academic researcher is excited that potential collaborators are keenly looking at the technology and waiting for proof-of-concept data that shows it is ready to take to the commercialization stage.
“Academic research is exciting – but movement towards clinical application almost always involves the private sector,” Tumey said. “These types of partnerships are essential for translating laboratory findings into clinical practice.”
TAF 2024 Award Winner - L. Nathan Tumey - Binghamton University
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