Richard Pestell

Professor

Richard G. Pestell is an accomplished Australian American oncologist, endocrinologist, and research scientist, currently serving as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EcoGenome, a biotechnology company focused on cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. He has a distinguished career in medicine and medical education, recognized with the title of Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019 for his contributions to the field.1 2

Education and Early Career

Pestell completed his medical degree (M.B., B.S.) at the University of Western Australia and has undergone extensive clinical training in internal medicine and oncology. He also holds an MBA in entrepreneurship and finance from New York University.3 6

Professional Achievements

Leadership Roles: Pestell has held significant positions, including Executive Vice President at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Under his leadership, the cancer center improved its national ranking significantly.1
Biotechnology Ventures: He has founded six biotechnology companies, including ProstaGene and EcoGenome. His work in these companies has led to advancements in cancer therapy, particularly through the discovery that CCR5 governs cancer metastasis.1 4
Research Contributions: Pestell's research has resulted in numerous patents related to cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. He has been involved in clinical trials targeting CCR5 inhibitors for cancer treatment.1 5

Current Role at EcoGenome

Founded in July 2022, EcoGenome focuses on developing theranostic approaches to cancer treatment. Pestell has successfully raised funding for the company, emphasizing innovative solutions in oncology.4 5