Druker helped develop imatinib (Gleevec), the first medication that specifically targets cancer cells, for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).[7][8][9] In 2001, Gleevec gained FDA approval in record time[10] and landed on the cover of Time magazine.[11] Druker’s work launched the era of precision cancer medicine, setting the stage for future discoveries in the quest to end cancer.[12]
Druker's research is focused on translating the knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of cancer into specific therapies and investigating the optimal use of these molecularly targeted agents. He performed preclinical studies that led to the development of imatinib (Gleevec) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and then spearheaded the highly successful clinical trials of imatinib, which led to FDA approval of the drug in record time.[7][9][8] This work changed the life expectancy of patients with CML from an average of 3 to 5 years to a 89% five-year survival,[21][22] and has resulted in a paradigm-shift in cancer treatment from non-specific chemotherapy to highly targeted therapeutic agents.[23] Druker has been widely recognized for his work in developing Gleevec, but has been publicly critical of the drug's high price for patients.[24][25]
In May 2007, he became director of the OHSU Cancer Institute—renamed the Knight Cancer Institute in October 2008 following a $100 million donation from Nike co-founder Phil Knight.[27]
In March 2024, he transitioned to the role of chief executive officer of the Knight Cancer Institute.[29] Druker abruptly resigned in December 2024 while "looking for opportunities where (he) can continue to make an impact on patient’s lives and on the world."[30] During this time, he continued to lead his research lab and see patients, but expressed criticism of OHSU, stating that the institution had "lost sight of what is crucial and forgotten (its) mission."[31][32] In 2025, he was named the inaugural president of the newly independent Knight Cancer Group, a self-governing entity formed by the Oregon Health & Science University's Knight Cancer Institute following a record $2 billion gift from Phil and Penny Knight.[2][33][34] The gift appears to be the largest single donation ever made to any U.S. university, college or academic health center.[35][33][34] In an interview with The Cancer Letter, Druker said that this latest gift by the Knights is intended to develop a fully integrated cancer care model that will expand and accelerate diagnostics, ensure access to innovative clinical trials informed by Knight researchers and simplify the experience for patients and families: "I have too many patients and families that are having difficulty navigating our complex medical care system. What I wanted to do is integrate all the great science we have with the best care on the planet."[35]
Lila and Murray Gruber Memorial Cancer Research Award, American Academy of Dermatology Association (2024)[58]
Personal
Druker is married to Alexandra Hardy, a one-time reporter for People magazine, and the couple have three children (as of 2009).[10] An earlier marriage, to Barbara Rodriguez in 1990, ended in divorce in 1999.[18]
1 2 Druker, B. J.; Tamura, S.; Buchdunger, E.; Ohno, S.; Segal, G. M.; Fanning, S.; Zimmermann, J.; Lydon, N. B. (May 1996). "Effects of a selective inhibitor of the Abl tyrosine kinase on the growth of Bcr-Abl positive cells". Nature Medicine. 2 (5): 561–566. doi:10.1038/nm0596-561. ISSN1078-8956. PMID8616716. S2CID36102747.
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