Labros Meimetis, PhD has joined the Imaging Sciences Section as a Research Assistant Professor. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia. He has previously served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology at Stony Brook University.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Vancouver, Canada.
Q: Why did you choose radiology?
A: As someone who is passionate about drug discovery and development, there is no better field to be in. The entire spectrum of drug modalities – from small molecules up to cell-based therapies – has benefited from imaging and the therapeutic capability offered in Radiology. This makes it a very dynamic and exciting field to work in as a drug discovery scientist.
Q: What are your career interests and goals?
A: I hope to build a strong academic research group to perform the drug discovery work and start a company around it to help develop the technology. The ultimate goal would be to help invent a drug that gets FDA approval and benefits patients with cancer.
Q: What are your research interests?
A: My lab focuses on developing new compounds that address tumor heterogeneity and lack of immune response. This is a clinical challenge seen in a variety of late-stage cancers. I believe that drug combinations coupled with intelligent drug delivery systems may provide success. Currently, we are evaluating targeted radionuclide therapy and antibody-drug conjugates with the goal of branching out into biologic prodrugs.
Q: Why did you choose to work at UW?
A: My colleagues are world-class – I’m excited to collaborate and brainstorm with experts here. Additionally, there is a robust clinical component that is eager to translate promising compounds from bench to bedside…and the facilities are phenomenal.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Spending time with my wife and 2 sons, CrossFit, and (when I get the chance) spearfishing off the coast of Greece.