Lidia Sambucetti, Ph.D., has joined the Biosciences Division of SRI International, as senior director of cancer research. In her new role at SRI, Sambucetti will direct cancer drug discovery efforts, collaborating with scientific and business development colleagues to advance the translational research programs of the Biosciences Division.

"Dr. Sambucetti's strengths as a researcher and team leader, combined with her accomplishments in drug discovery and development make her a valuable addition to SRI," said Nathan Collins, Ph.D., executive director, Drug Discovery, SRI Biosciences Division. "Her skills will enhance SRI's capabilities in the discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of cancer, and we welcome her to the organization."

Sambucetti has joined SRI from Telik, Inc., where she was director of biochemistry. Prior to her work with Telik, Sambucetti was the director of drug screening and toxicology at Xenogen Corporation, where she established a program to create innovative imaging tools for compound screening and headed collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Previously, Sambucetti worked at Novartis where she was the project leader for the histone deacetylase program which resulted in the discovery and development of a lead candidate which is presently in Phase II clinical trials.  She received her Ph.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and did postdoctoral work at Stanford University.

SRI's basic research and drug discovery programs have led to a number of marketed drugs, several more partnered and in clinical development, and four preclinical candidates.

Release date: January 31, 2008
Surce: SRI International