Two pivotal experiences in Craig Crews’ life set him on a path to revolutionize drug development. The first occurred during his childhood when his grandmother succumbed to cancer at the age of 52. “At the time, there weren’t very many treatment options,” Crews recalls. Today, he serves as the John C. Malone Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and a professor of chemistry and pharmacology at Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
The second formative event was a catastrophic airplane crash at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in 1979. An engine detached shortly after takeoff, leading to the deaths of over 200 people. Crews’ father, John H. Crews Jr., a basic researcher at NASA, was summoned to investigate the disaster due to his expertise in the fatigue and fracture of airplane wings. “I was at a young enough age that it made a big impression,” Crews notes. “My dad, who I always thought was just a curiosity-driven basic researcher, had real-world impact with his research.”
Bridging Academia and Biotech
Inspired by his father’s ability to apply research to real-world problems, Crews has pursued a career that straddles the line between academia and biotechnology. As a professor and serial entrepreneur, he has founded three drug development companies. His latest venture, Halda Therapeutics, was recently acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Founded in New Haven in 2018, Halda Therapeutics focuses on a novel therapeutic drug for prostate cancer.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Crews and highlights his commitment to translating academic research into practical applications. “Like my dad, I consider myself a curiosity-driven basic researcher, but I’m also always looking to translate my academic research into the real world,” he explains.
The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Pursuits
Crews’ journey from a young boy witnessing his father’s impact on aviation safety to becoming a pioneer in drug development underscores the profound influence of personal experiences on professional endeavors. His grandmother’s battle with cancer instilled in him a desire to expand treatment options, while his father’s work demonstrated the potential for research to enact meaningful change.
His work at Yale and his entrepreneurial ventures reflect this dual influence. Crews has consistently sought to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, a philosophy that has driven his success in the biotech industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Drug Development
The acquisition of Halda Therapeutics by a major pharmaceutical company like Johnson & Johnson not only signifies a personal achievement for Crews but also represents a broader trend in the biotech industry. The integration of academic research into commercial drug development is increasingly seen as a pathway to innovation and improved patient outcomes.
As Crews continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in drug development, his story serves as a testament to the power of curiosity-driven research and its potential to change lives. “My aim has always been to make a real-world impact,” Crews says, a goal he is undoubtedly achieving.
With the backing of a pharmaceutical giant, the future looks promising for the therapies developed under Crews’ guidance. The move represents a significant step forward in the fight against prostate cancer and highlights the critical role of academic entrepreneurship in advancing medical science.
As the biotech landscape evolves, the integration of academic insights into industry practices will likely continue to drive innovation. Crews’ journey from personal inspiration to professional achievement exemplifies this dynamic, offering hope and direction for future researchers and entrepreneurs alike.
