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Robert Duggan is leading the way again with innovation in the field of medical treatment. After pioneering robotic surgical procedures, he and his team at Pharmacyclics Inc. are now taking on cancer. Specifically, they are experiencing major success in treating patients with blood cancer with their new drug.
Pharmacyclics’ drug was awarded Breakthrough Therapy recognition by the Federal Drug Administration as a result of statistically significant clinical trial results. The drug has also gained approvals for the treatment of one form of Lymphoma and two specific forms of Leukemia. As a result, a promising new treatment option is now available for patients affected by these deadly forms of cancer.
The team at Pharmacyclics have the objective of creating medicines that improve both the quality and duration of patients’ lives. They achieve this objective through hard work, sacrifice, money, organization, communication, affinity for what they do and a willingness to be of service to others.
Pharmacyclics began in 1991 and has grown to over 500 staff. In 2013, the company invested more than $54 million in research and development. Duggan became Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in 2008 and since that time, the company’s stock value and reputation has exponentially increased.
Previously, he was closely involved in the field of robotic surgery. His former company, Computer Motion, successfully performed the world’s first FDA-approved robotics-assisted surgery in the mid 90’s. After developing this technology further, long-distance procedures became possible. In 2001, a surgeon located in New York successfully performed a gall bladder operation on a patient in France.
Duggan received “La Legion D’Honneur” from French President, Jacques Chirac for his contributions to robotic surgery. This award was for his introduction of robotic surgical technology into the health care system of France. The result of robotic surgery has had a significant impact on reducing patient trauma, improving recovery time, and reducing the costs of health care.
As Chairman and CEO, Duggan lead Computer Motion until it merged in 2003 with Intuitive Surgical.
While he continues to be a leader in medical innovation, Bob has also become a leading philanthropist. An important part of his success is his desire to create a positive impact through giving. He and his wife, Trish are leading supporters of social programs that positively affect the lives of millions of people worldwide. Increasing literacy, preventing harmful drug and alcohol addiction, providing disaster relief and effectively reducing crime rates are some of the initiatives they support. In addition, they have been strong contributors to the arts as well as to their alma mater, UC Santa Barbara.
Robert Duggan continues his pursuit of medical innovation to enhance the lives of patients. Research and development is ongoing and there is now more hope for patients with blood cancer. And, although he is no longer directly involved in the field of robotic surgery, it continues to benefit patients worldwide.
Release ID: 70416