A celebrated Nigerian-born cancer researcher, Prof. Sarki Abba AbdulKadir, has underscored the indispensable role of pharmacists in the evolving landscape of drug discovery and global oncology research.
He made the call during a captivating scientific session at the 98th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) held at Bayero University, Kano, where he delivered a lecture titled “Partners in Discovery: How Pharmacists Shaped My Journey Towards Novel Cancer Drugs.”
AbdulKadir, a globally acclaimed professor of pathology and oncology at Northwestern University, United States, shared insights from his groundbreaking work in cancer biology and novel drug development. He recounted how his early medical training at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, exposed him to the devastating cases of Burkitt lymphoma, a cancer prevalent among children in malaria-endemic regions, an experience that sparked his lifelong dedication to understanding and defeating cancer.
He explained that his research focuses on the MYC protein, a molecule described by scientists as “the emperor of all oncogenes,” being implicated in over 50 percent of all human cancers, including prostate, breast, and lung cancers. “MYC is one of the most aggressive drivers of cancer,” AbdulKadir noted. “It fuels tumor growth, prevents normal cell death, and aids cancer spread. Yet for decades, it was labeled ‘undruggable.’”
According to him, large pharmaceutical firms avoided MYC because of its complex structure and the fear of developing toxic or ineffective compounds. However, driven by academic curiosity and supported by research grants, his team took on the challenge. “In academia, we have the liberty to take risks without commercial pressure,” he said. “That freedom allowed us to innovate where industry hesitated.”
Through years of sustained effort, AbdulKadir and his multidisciplinary team, including chemists, computational scientists, medical researchers, and pharmacists succeeded in developing a new class of compounds capable of inhibiting MYC’s activity. The research, conducted under Vortex Therapeutics, the biotech company he founded, has shown remarkable promise in preclinical models and is now advancing toward Phase I human trials.
He highlighted how pharmacists play a central role in every stage of this process, from the synthesis of molecules, formulation science, and pharmacokinetics, to ensuring safety and bioavailability in human systems. “Every successful drug stands on the shoulders of pharmacy,” AbdulKadir emphasized. “Their expertise ensures that our discoveries move from laboratory theory to real-world therapy.”
AbdulKadir also shared his views on the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and computational modeling in modern drug discovery, noting that his team leveraged these tools to screen over 32 million chemical compounds virtually, significantly reducing the time and cost of early-stage experimentation.
During the interactive session, he fielded questions on the challenges of research funding and the potential for Nigerian academics to secure international grants. He urged local researchers to leverage Nigeria’s vast and genetically diverse population as a global advantage in health studies. “If we build robust research systems, the world will look to us for answers,” he declared.
On cancer prevention, AbdulKadir emphasised that public health research and population studies must become national priorities. “Prevention remains the cheapest and most impactful form of cancer control,” he stated. “Nigeria’s population gives us a unique opportunity to lead the world in population-based cancer studies.”
Chairman of the session and former PSN President, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, described AbdulKadir’s lecture as “a scientific masterclass that bridges the worlds of research and pharmacy.” He lauded the professor’s humility, brilliance, and dedication to discovery, noting that his achievements should inspire young scientists and pharmacists to believe in their potential to transform global health.
