October 18, 2007

Dr. Stephen Frye, former worldwide Vice President of Discovery Medicinal Chemistry at GSK has been tapped to lead the new UNC Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery.  Frye is co-inventor of GSK’s prostate drug Avodart, and participated in the discovery of the breast cancer drug Tykerb.  Under his guidance, the center will capitalize on the drug targets identified by basic researchers at UNC to identify candidate interacting compounds that may lead to potential therapies. Promising candidates will be pursued in clinical trials in partnership with biotech companies.  This type of focused basic translational research will fill a perceived gap in the private biotech sector and provides exciting new opportunities for CCGS researchers.  Dr. Frye’s primary appointment will be in the School of Pharmacy.  The Center is a joint partnership between the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemistry, School of Medicine and Lineberger Cancer Center and will be housed in the new Genetic Medicine building. 

 Links: Triangle Business Journal Article, UNC Pharmacy News