UC San Diego: New Liver Disease Chair Established

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Pioneering Pharma Leader honored with UC San Diego Endowed Chair

A new endowed chair at UC San Diego will recognize the legacy of John C. Martin, a transformative figure in the fight against HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The appointment of Dr. rohit Loomba to the John C. Martin Endowed Chair signifies a commitment to continuing the groundbreaking research Martin championed throughout his career.

The establishment of the chair was announced by the John C. Martin Foundation, with Lillian Lou, the foundation’s president and Martin’s life-partner, expressing her hope that the research inspired by the endowment will build upon Martin’s “global work.” Lou stated,”It is an honour and privilege to support Rohit Loomba,a decades long colleague of John Martin,as the inaugural holder of the John C. Martin Endowed Chair. May the transformative research be inspired by the global work john initiated.”

Did you know?-John C. Martin joined Gilead Sciences in 1990, when it had just 60 employees and was focused on anti-HIV drugs. He helped grow the company into a pharmaceutical giant.

Martin, who passed away in 2021, left an indelible mark on the pharmaceutical industry. He served as chairman and CEO of gilead Sciences, Inc. from 2008 to 2016, and as president and CEO from 1996 to 2008. His tenure began in 1990 as vice president of Research and Development, a period during which Gilead revolutionized treatment paradigms for some of the world’s most challenging viral diseases.

UC San Diego’s Leading role in Gastroenterology and Hepatology

The selection of UC San Diego as the home for this prestigious chair underscores the university’s position as a global leader in gastroenterology and hepatology research. According to chancellor pradeep K. Khosla, “UC San diego is recognized as the world’s top institution for gastroenterology and hepatology research as of our outstanding faculty dedicated to innovative research and patient care.” Khosla further emphasized the synergy between Martin’s vision and Dr. Loomba’s work, noting that both shared a dedication to improving patient quality of life worldwide.

Pro tip: Gilead’s early focus on antiviral research was crucial. Martin prioritized developing drugs that could be taken orally, simplifying treatment for patients.

A Career Dedicated to Accessible Healthcare

before his impactful leadership at Gilead, Martin held key positions at Bristol Myers Squibb and Syntex Corporation. His commitment extended beyond the corporate world, as he served on the Board of Directors at Scripps Research and Kronos Bio. Martin also contributed his expertise to national health initiatives, serving on the centers for Disease Control/Health Resources and Services Administration’s Advisory Commitee on HIV and STD Prevention and treatment, and as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. His contributions were further recognized with his membership in the National Academy of Engineering.

reader question: How did Martin address drug access? He actively pursued licensing agreements and tiered pricing to make medications more affordable globally.

A Visionary’s Legacy

Those who knew Martin personally remember him as a forward-thinking leader with a deep commitment to global health equity. Bill Lee, former executive vice president of research at Gilead Sciences, described Martin as “a scientific visionary who transformed how medicines for HIV, HCV and HBV reached patients around the world.” Lee added that Martin “believed that life-saving therapies must be accessible to all, regardless of where patients lived,” and actively pursued strategies to expand access to treatment for these critical diseases.

The establishment of the John C. Martin Endowed Chair serves as a lasting tribute to a leader who not only advanced scientific innovation but