Ute Dugan, MD, PhD

Ute Dugan, MD, PhD, is Chief Medical Officer at the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI). She leads clinical and translational research efforts to overcome immunotherapy resistance and advance novel breakthrough treatment combinations. As a medical oncologist in Europe and the United States, her research focused on the integration of improved cancer medicines into the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Throughout her career, she has forged innovative collaborations between academics, practitioners and industry leaders for unprecedented results.

Dr. Dugan comes to PICI from Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). She joined BMS as Executive Director, Global Clinical Research during the formation of the development teams for the pioneering immuno-oncology (I-O) medicines ipilimumab and nivolumab. As Head of Worldwide Oncology External Medical Affairs, she created impactful research collaboration models to advance I-O treatments together with partners in academia, professional societies, and non-profit organizations. Her catalytic methods applied to external research networks quickened the pace and output of research. In 2016, PICI’s new approach drew her immediate commitment. She took the results of this partnership to modernize BMS’ global strategic collaboration business model. Dr. Dugan also led the implementation of these powerful new tools and applied them to global health equity initiatives, such as cancer care capacity building in low and middle income countries.

Dr. Dugan earned her MD degree and PhD degree in environmental health and toxicology at the Heinrich Heine University Medical School (Dusseldorf, Germany). She served as associate professor for medical oncology and senior physician at the University Clinic of the West German Cancer and Transplant Center (Essen, Germany) treating patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. She is well published and recognized for exploring optimized dosing and scheduling of cancer medicines to overcome treatment resistance through sequential phase I/II clinical studies. Dr. Dugan brings this expertise to bear upon her leadership at PICI.