Ruth R. Wexler, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Discovery Chemistry Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

"My life long career objective, which is entirely consistent with the Bristol-Myers Squibb mission statement, is the discovery of innovative medicines which will extend and enhance human life. Much of my career has been focused on research directed at the design and synthesis of selective small molecule receptor antagonists and protease inhibitors. It is my perspective that recent advances in biomedical research are the cornerstone for our successes in drug discovery and development. Together with a team of world class scientists, I am fortunate to be a drug hunter at a time when we are able to understand the molecular underpinning for many of the diseases which we are targeting and are able to apply all the tools of modern drug discovery including rational drug design to the identification of new drugs which have improved potency and have fewer side effects."

Dr. Ruth Wexler received her B. A. in Chemistry from Boston University in 1977 and her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1982. That year, Dr. Wexler joined the DuPont Company, and, over her career at the Experimental Station, she advanced from Research Chemist to Executive Director. In 2001, she became an Executive Director, Discovery Chemistry, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and, in the fall of 2003, she moved to New Jersey to head the medicinal chemistry efforts directed at Cardiovascular Diseases.

During Dr. Wexler's career, her group has focused on targets in Cardiovascular/Metabolic Diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and obesity), Inflammatory Diseases (arthritis) and Alzheimer's Disease. These research efforts have resulted in Cozaar®, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, and thirteen additional compounds which were selected for clinical evaluation. She has co-authored more than 145 peerreviewed scientific publications and patents, and has contributed several review articles and book chapters in the area of cardiovascular research.