CONFRONTING CANCER TODAY

Interactive Policy Forum Gathers Experts in "Confronting Cancer Today"
Friends of Cancer Research, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Organize May 8 Event in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA, April 30, 2003- Friends of Cancer Research and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars are collaborating on a unique interactive health policy forum, "Confronting Cancer Today" on May 8, 2003, at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard from 9:30 A.M. to 12:15 P.M. An ensemble of the foremost cancer experts from scientific and academic centers, FDA, and industry will gather to present cutting-edge innovations in cancer science and discuss the processes of translating research to diagnostics, prevention, and treatment.

The forum will feature keynote speakers J. Michael Bishop, MD, Nobel Laureate and Chancellor, University of California San Francisco who will speak about the new hope of cancer research and Robert Ingram, Vice Chairman Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline who will focus on the myths and realities of the drug develop process. Sherry Lansing, Chairman and CEO, Paramount Pictures, Motion Picture Group will deliver introductory remarks.

Moderated by Michael A. Friedman, MD, the forum will host two panel discussions. Panel One, "Science at the Frontier" features Judith C. Gasson, PhD, Director of UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Professor Inder M. Verma of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies' Laboratory of Genetics. This panel will cover advancements in research including human genomics, proteomics, and signature of cancer cells as well as the clinical and financial obstacles that directly limit discovery and that impact the application of this knowledge and its dissemination to patients.

Panel Two, "FDA and the Drug Development Process" will focus on the challenges of bringing new therapeutics from the laboratory to the bedside. Panelists Richard Pazdur, MD, Director of the Oncology Drugs Product Division at the FDA and Stephen G. Dilly, MD, PhD, Vice President of Development Sciences for Genentech, Inc. will explore proposals for restructuring the FDA's drug approval process for oncology drugs.

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"With cancer remaining the second leading killer of Americans, it is imperative that we
foster high-level dialogue amidst the research and industry communities, recognize
important breakthroughs, and showcase the challenges and promise that we face in finding meaningful cancer treatment advances," stated Ellen Sigal, PhD, chair of Friends of Cancer Research. "This forum provides such an opportunity - and we are grateful for the support extended by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars," Dr. Sigal added.

"At the heart of the Center's mission," Ambassador Joseph B. Gildenhorn, chair of the Center's board of trustees, said "is fostering thoughtful discussion of many of the critical issues that we face today. And what could be more worthwhile than exploring the opportunities and the challenges to wipe out cancer. The Center is pleased to partner with Friends of Cancer Research in presenting this important program."

Friends of Cancer Research is a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing widespread public support for cancer research funding and providing education on key public policy issues. Friends is a unique blend of strong voices within the cancer community. The Board of Directors is a collaboration of major cancer organizations, the medical and scientific research communities, patient advocacy groups, and entertainment industry representatives, who are able to carry Friends' message directly to those who can make a difference. Through contacts, Friends is able to force action, cut through bureaucratic red tape, and assist cancer patients at critical points in their treatments.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a living, national memorial to President Wilson established by Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds, engaged in the study of domestic and international public policy. Ambassador Joseph B. Gildenhorn chairs the Center's board of trustees and its president is Lee H. Hamilton

For additional information and to receive materials, please contact Marina Ein at (202) 775-0200.