Byrd’s collaboration with his mentor led to DHODH inhibitor discovery
ABOVE: Dr. John Byrd, left, with his mentor Dr. Tom
Goodwin, center, on the day Byrd received his Hendrix Odyssey Medal in 2015.
Also pictured is fellow Odyssey Medalist Dr. Omer Shedd, right.
CONWAY, Ark. (October 14, 2024) — One of the
biggest challenges in cancer treatment is finding ways to kill cancer cells
without destroying healthy cells in the process. A drug newly approved for phase
I/II clinical trials aims to achieve just that, and the roots of its discovery extend
from Ohio to Arkansas — specifically, Hendrix College.
A news
release from The Ohio State University
Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J.
Solove Research Institute (OSUCC – James) names many researchers involved in
the discovery and development, and credits a collaboration between Dr. John C.
Byrd, Hendrix Class of 1987, and his mentor, retired Hendrix College Professor
of Chemistry Dr. Thomas E. Goodwin, as the genesis of discovering this
particular dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor while Byrd was at
OSU.
Byrd, who is now at the University of Cincinnati,
previously conducted research at OSUCC – James. He has become known worldwide
as a specialist in hematologic malignancies, and his laboratory’s summer
research interns have included Hendrix undergraduate students for many years. Byrd
has remained an active Hendrix alumnus; he received a Hendrix Odyssey Medal in 2015
and currently serves on the Board of Trustees.
“It is truly unique to have a lead molecule
(Hendrix-OSU-3 or HOSU-3) created by undergraduate students in an undergraduate
liberal arts school that ‘changes lives’ that then moves on to additional
chemical modification and enables the potentially life-changing creation of a
promising cancer therapeutic as HOSU-53,” says Byrd.
As a Hendrix student in the 1980s, Byrd
benefited from what Hendrix students still experience today: a high level of one-on-one
mentoring alongside undergraduate research opportunities that are a hallmark of
small liberal arts colleges. Many Hendrix alumni like Byrd cultivate ongoing
relationships with professors like Goodwin, continuing to make a positive difference
in their own lives as they focus their work on changing the world for the
better.
“Dr. Thomas Goodwin participated in the genesis
of this project and provided input as the Drug Development Institute at The
Ohio State University made additional modifications to improve it,” Byrd said. “Hendrix
College undergraduates participating in laboratory summer experiences in my
laboratory at OSU, and now University of Cincinnati has subsequently worked on
these derivatives along with the clinical candidate HOSU-53. Such an experience
for undergraduate researchers is unusual but points to one of the many unique
opportunities that exist at Hendrix College. I am so grateful to be able to
participate and give back to Hendrix College based upon how it changed my life.”
Just since Byrd’s arrival at the University of
Cincinnati in July of 2021, five Hendrix students have earned summer internships in his
laboratory: Sierra Lubetkin ’25, August McQuiston ’26, Ashley Nguyen ’23,
Kendal Rainey ’24, and Thanaphat “EQ” Seeboonruang ’24. Students who meet the
rigorous qualifications for the program receive housing and stipends, enabling
them to accept the opportunity regardless of their financial circumstances. Byrd’s
time at OSUCCC– James also included numerous Hendrix students who competed for
and received similar undergraduate research internships.
The single-site clinical trial is expected to
open at the OSUCCC – James in the winter of 2024.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion,
justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students
to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose