Charles Sawyers

Charles Sawyers was a key clinical investigator in the development of imatinib (Gleevec) for chronic myeloid leukemia and subsequently led the laboratory characterization of imatinib resistance mechanisms, driving development of second-generation ABL inhibitors dasatinib and nilotinib. He later developed enzalutamide, a second-generation androgen receptor antagonist for castration-resistant prostate cancer. His career exemplifies the cycle of drug development, resistance, and next-generation agents. He is a recipient of the Lasker Award, Breakthrough Prize, and many other honors for transforming cancer therapy.