Distinguished Scientist H. Mario Geysen Joins SRI International to Lead Combinatorial Sciences and Metabolic Diseases Research Program
MENLO PARK, Calif. —October 27, 2010— SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development organization, announced today that H. Mario Geysen, Ph.D., has joined SRI International's Center for Advanced Drug Research (CADRE) in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. In his new role, Dr. Geysen will expand SRI's research capabilities into diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis and will establish programs to develop novel molecules that control hormonal regulation in metabolic diseases.
Dr. Geysen is a pioneer in the field of combinatorial chemistry, often described as the intersection of chemistry, robotics, instrumentation, computer science, and engineering. It is recognized that combinatorial chemistry has dramatically altered and accelerated the pace of pharmaceutical discovery and development. Several new therapies are currently under development that will help provide needed medicines to patients.
"Mario Geysen is a distinguished scientist. His invaluable contributions have led to important innovations in the development of novel therapies," said Krishna Kodukula, Ph.D., CADRE executive director.
Walter H. Moos, Ph.D., vice president of SRI Biosciences, added, "Having had the utmost respect for Mario ever since we first met in the late 1980s, I am very pleased to welcome him to SRI, and look forward to the leadership he will provide to our researchers addressing complex drug discovery challenges."
Prior to joining SRI, Dr. Geysen was the Alfred Burger Professor of Chemistry at the University of Virginia (now Emeritus). Previous to that, he was a Distinguished Scientist at GlaxoSmithKline. Dr. Geysen’s career includes experience in government, industry, and academia. He has founded several successful biotechnology firms, such as Mimotopes, and has developed many innovative technologies for pharmaceutical drug discovery.
Dr. Geysen has received numerous awards in the U.S. and internationally and has more than 125 publications and patents. He holds advanced degrees in chemistry and microbiology from the University of Melbourne, Australia, and in chemical engineering from University College, London (U.K.).
