David Curiel

David T. Curiel, MD, PhD, is a distinguished professor of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine and the Director of the Biologic Therapeutics Center.12 His career has been marked by significant contributions to the fields of gene therapy, cancer biology, and vaccine development.

Education and Career

Dr. Curiel received his MD from Emory University School of Medicine in 1982 and later earned a PhD in Virology from Groningen University in the Netherlands in 2002.1 His academic journey included internship and residency at Emory University, followed by fellowships at the National Institutes of Health in Pulmonary Medicine and Biotechnology.1

Throughout his career, Dr. Curiel has held several prestigious positions:

• Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Director of the Gene Therapy Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
• Director of the Division of Human Gene Therapy at UAB's Heersink School of Medicine
• Professor of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine (since 2011)23

Research and Achievements

Dr. Curiel's work primarily focuses on gene therapy and cancer biology. Some of his notable achievements include:

• Leading a research team that developed the first messenger RNA-based vaccine in 19952
• Pioneering work on gene transfer techniques for treating cystic fibrosis2
• Developing unique methods for delivering genes to specific targets2
• Overseeing research on modified adenoviruses for treating malignant glioma2
• Commercializing an adenovirus vaccine to prevent Zika virus and other diseases2

His innovative research has earned him recognition, including the 2015 Bear Cub Challenge award from the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship.2

Current Role

As the Director of the Biologic Therapeutics Center at Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Curiel continues to lead cutting-edge research in gene therapy and cancer biology.13 His work aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches for genetic diseases and cancer treatment, with a focus on making therapies more accessible and cost-effective.2