Sanford Burnham Prebys is uncovering the origins of disease

Fundamental Research
Understanding basic biology and the cause of human disease

Translational Research
Advancing research to clinical breakthroughs for patients through drug discovery and collaborations

Education & Training
Cultivating the next generation of scientists through our graduate school, postdoctoral training programs and fellowships
The Latest News
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Victoria Blaho, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, has received the first-ever Lina M. Obeid Award for her promising research on the biology of sphingolipids.
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These targets could be key in designing treatments for advanced colon, breast and ovarian cancers.
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Research pinpoints interferon stimulating genes that control SARS-CoV-2 replication.
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Neuroscience and Aging
Graduate student awarded American Heart Association Fellowship
The heart is the core of life, and for Ph.D. graduate student Katja Birker, it’s the foundation for the beginning of a career. -
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have shown that two existing drug candidates—JAK inhibitors and Mepron—hold potential as treatments for a deadly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtype that is more common in children.
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The Conrad Prebys Foundation provides $3 million to Robert Wechsler-Reya, Ph.D., and his team of researchers to advance a potential drug to treat medulloblastoma—the most common malignant brain tumor in children.
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Children's Health
Fighting rare diseases: Finding treatments and bringing hope to families
Two patients whose lives were saved by discoveries made by Hudson Freeze, Ph.D., and José Luis Millán, Ph.D., joined the scientists for a conversation about what this work means to them and how their lives have been impacted. -
Million reflects on how a summer internship at Sanford Burnham Prebys accelerated his scientific career.
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Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a drug candidate that blocks the uptake of glutamine, a key food source for many tumors, and slows the growth of melanoma.
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Scientists demonstrated for the first time that blocking “cell drinking,” or macropinocytosis, in the thick tissue surrounding a pancreatic tumor slowed tumor growth.
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Scientists pointed to clofazimine, a low-cost leprosy drug first approved by the FDA in 1986, as a possible COVID-19 drug after finding promising anti-coronavirus activity in hamsters.
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In an effort to find new treatments for COVID-19 that could be made available quickly, researchers searched through FDA-approved drugs to identify candidates that may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. Researchers found that a decades-old anti-leprosy drug exhibits potent antiviral activities against many coronaviruses—including SARS-CoV-2.
Living History
NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Earning the NCI designation in 1981 — just five years after its modest start in downtown La Jolla — our Cancer Center truly is "the miracle on Torrey Pines Mesa."

Next Generation
ACS awards Sanford Burnham Prebys scientist Research Scholar Grant
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has awarded Brooke Emering, Ph.D., assistant professor in our Cancer, Molecules and Structures Program, a highly competitive Research Scholar Grant.

Living History
Along the road to discovery
It was in 1979 when Eva Engvall asked Erkki Ruoslahti a question that would change their lives forever: "Wouldn't it be great to work in San Diego?"

Next Generation
Graduate student Katja Birker's research doesn't miss a beat
"There is no magic wand to cure congenital heart conditions–we have to do the research."

Calendar
Community Forum
In partnership with the Fleet Science Center
Seminar
Alice Sorgani., Ph.D., University of California Los Angeles
Community Forum
Seminar
Southern California “Breaking News in Stem Cells” Lecture Series
In partnership with UC San Diego Stem Cell Program
Seminar
Michael Hoffman, Ph.D.
Community Forum
Symposium
Seminar
Katherine M. Aird, Ph.D.
Community Forum
Community Forum
COVID-19 matching gift campaign
The power of investing in human health
Dinah Ruch is accelerating our COVID-19 efforts with a generous matching gift that doubles all donations dollar for dollar up to $500,000.

Our Partners in Discovery
We can't do it alone
Our annual Rare Disease Day symposium strengthens the global network of families, physicians and researchers to better understand and fight rare diseases in children.

Our Partners in Discovery
Getting to the finish line faster
Thanks to the philanthropic vision of Stuart and Karen Tanz, a unique collaboration seeks new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s.

Our Partners in Discovery
New hope for autoimmune disease
Our partnership with Lilly—centered around a high degree of interaction—has already produced an immune therapy now in clinical trial.

Our Partners in Discovery
A master class in collaboration
Meet T. Denny Sanford, Conrad Prebys and Malin Burnham: three people who know we're stronger when we work together.
