PAUL RICHARDSON

In addition to these agents, he is also leading the development of a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor, as well as first-in-human studies of cereblon E3 ligase modulators (so called CELMoDs) for the treatment of relapsed and refractory myeloma. His development of the so-called RVD regimen for certain newly diagnosed MM patients generated an unprecedented response rate, leading to its establishment as a backbone treatment regime to which next-generation agents are being added.

Dr. Richardson led the development of several first and second-generation novel drugs for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM), including bortezomib, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, ixazomib and panobinostat. More recently, his clinical innovations have been in the development of the breakthrough monoclonal antibodies elotuzumab and daratumumab for the treatment of both untreated and relapsed myeloma, as well as other immunotherapeutic strategies, including isatuximab and belantamab mafodotin. 

In addition to these agents, he has helped lead the development of a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor selinexor, and most recently melfufen, FDA approved in 2021. Other innovations include the study of first-in-human trials of orally bioavailable cereblon E3 ligase modulators (so called CELMoDs) for the treatment of relapsed and refractory myeloma, which are now entering more advanced studies as their remarkable efficacy is becoming apparent. 

One of the other most important therapeutics he has developed from original concept to approval is defibrotide, a first in class oligonucleotide which is the only therapy currently indicated for the treatment of Veno-Occlusive Disease / Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome (VOD / SOS), an otherwise deadly complication of stem cell transplantation, especially seen in the allogeneic setting, and which is now being applied to a number of endothelial injury syndromes, including endotheliitis underpinning a variety of inflammatory states, such as COVID-19.

He has published extensively, having authored or co-authored over 440 original articles and 360 reviews, chapters, and editorials in peer-reviewed journals. In addition to holding positions on the editorial boards of leading journals, he is prior Chairman of the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) Clinical Trials Core (USA), and was appointed Chair of the Alliance Myeloma Committee (USA) in 2011, where he continues to serve in this role. 

Amongst numerous honors, he was awarded an honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) in 2009; was a co-recipient of the prestigious Warren Alpert Foundation Prize in 2012; the Ernest Beutler Prize from the American Society of Hematology in 2015; the IMF Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, and the Clare and Richard Morse Research Award (DFCI) in 2019, all in recognition of extraordinary contributions to his field.