Prof. John Stagg
Principal Investigator at the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)
Prof. John Stagg, PhD, is a distinguished member of Domain’s Scientific Advisory Board, a leading expert and trailblazer in the field of cancer immunology. Prof. Stagg’s pioneering work in immuno-oncology and visionary leadership have been instrumental in propelling our groundbreaking preclinical and clinical research targeting GPCR-mediated immunosuppression in cancer treatment.
His innovative insights have empowered our teams to determine the role of PAR2 in cancer immunity and the mechanisms of action of our novel drug candidate, DT-9045, with first-in-class potential for immuno-oncology. Prof. Stagg’s unparalleled expertise not only adds immense value to the Domain’s rich portfolio but also strengthens its position as a leader in the field of immuno-oncology.
A leader in immuno-oncology for global impact
Prof. Stagg is a distinguished Faculty of Pharmacy member at the University of Montreal and Principal Investigator at both the CHUM Research Centre and the Montreal Cancer Institute. His brilliance, however, extends far beyond the academic sphere.
With a career spanning over two decades in drug discovery, Prof. Stagg’s unwavering desire to understand the complexities of cancer immunity ignited hope for countless patients worldwide. His research focuses on deciphering the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance to immunotherapy, their progression and metastasis, thereby laying the foundation for innovative cancer therapies.
Prof. Stagg’s work has led to the identification of the adenosine-producing enzyme CD73 as a novel target in immuno-oncology and has redefined possibilities in therapeutic strategies. His discoveries empower us to enhance the efficacy of standard cancer treatments and overcome resistance to anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade. His deep understanding of the intricate interplay between the immune system and cancer has provided invaluable insights, guiding the development of targeted therapies with unprecedented precision and efficacy.
Notable accomplishments and awards
A renowned cancer immunologist, Prof. Stagg’s journey from academia to groundbreaking research exemplifies resilience and passion. He has received a wide range of distinctions, including a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) New Investigator award, the Jean-Guy Sabourin Research Chair in Pharmacology from Faculty of Pharmacy at the Université de Montréal. As a co-leader of the Montreal Cancer Consortium, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Terry Fox Research Institute’s Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, dedicated to accelerating the development of precision medicine.
A Co-Founder and a Scientific Advisor at Surface Oncology, Prof. Stagg also lends his expertise to Coherus BioSciences as a board member, and previously to Tarus Therapeutics. He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University. His seat on the board of directors of BioCanRx, Canada’s expert immunotherapy network, underscores his dedication to fostering global innovation in immuno-oncology.