Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre Special Seminar Event as iCalendar

“Leukotrienes: a clear pathological role in allergy and asthma, a less clear role in cardiovascular disease and cancer”

presented by Dr Jilly Evans PhD FRSNZ (Hons) 

Jilly Evans, PhD is a world authority in the eicosanoid field (molecules that control inflammation and immunity). Whilst working for international pharmaceutical company Merck & Co, she played a key role in the development of Singulair, a drug with proven success in alleviating the symptoms of asthma, as well as the drugs Arcoxia and Vioxx, used for the treatment of arthritis. Since leaving Merck, Jilly has co-founded Amira Pharmaceuticals, a company developing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapies, which was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2011. She then went on to become chief scientific officer and co-founder of San Diego US-based biopharmaceutical company PharmAkea (www.pharmakea.com).

Abstract: Leukotrienes (LTs) have been shown to have an important role in asthma and allergies. Dr Evans was a key biologist in the discovery of proteins in the LT pathway (including 5-lipoxygeanse-activating protein or FLAP) and the development of the cysteinyl leukotriene antagonist Singulair (Montelukast) which is widely used in asthma. NZ Pharmac have just approved greater use of Montelukast in NZ. LTs have also been shown to play a role in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease and a clinical trial with a LT FLAP inhibitor is ongoing. Dr Evan's will also update on the potential role of proinflammatory LTs in cancer.

Open to staff, students and related industry.

If you would like to meet Jilly, please contact Petr Tomek