INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apexian Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing safe and effective therapy for patients with high unmet medical needs, is pleased to announce that its Chief Scientific Officer, Mark Kelley, PhD, was recognized as an outstanding scholar and researcher during the annual IUPUI Chancellor's Academic Honors Convocation on April 20. Dr. Kelley was named the recipient of the Glenn W. Irwin Jr., M.D. Research Scholar Award for his high level of achievement in research, scholarship, or creative activity that stands as a visible representative of excellence for the entire campus. The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of Dr. Glenn W. Irwin Jr., who was a professor, dean of IU School of Medicine, chancellor of the Indianapolis campus and vice president of IU.
The convocation, hosted by IUPUI Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar, celebrated excellence across all areas of IUPUI's mission: teaching and learning; research, scholarship and creative activity; civic engagement; and diversity.
Steve Carchedi, Apexian’s CEO, said, “Dr. Kelley is a dedicated researcher whose work is making a significant impact in the lives of patients. This is a well-deserved recognition and we are honored that he is leading the way for Apexian.”
Dr. Kelley’s work has focused on translational research in DNA damage and repair to determine how those activities can be exploited therapeutically to treat cancers and protect normal cells from DNA damage. He has focused specifically on the enzyme called APE1 as a therapeutic target in cancers and other diseases. Dr. Kelley discovered and has been developing a specific inhibitor of APE1, called APX3330, which is now being studied in a Phase I clinical trial. The drug has potential uses in a number of cancers including ovarian, colon, bladder, pancreatic, leukemia, and other adult and pediatric cancers.
Dr. Kelley is the Betty and Earl Herr Professor of Pediatric Oncology Research and professor of pediatrics and of biochemistry and molecular biology at IU School of Medicine and associate director of basic science research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.
About Apexian Pharmaceuticals
Apexian Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing safe and effective therapy for patients with high unmet medical needs. Apexian’s lead drug candidate is named APX3330. To learn more about Apexian Pharmaceuticals, please visit the company's website at www.ApexianPharma.com.