San Francisco, CA - Dr Robert M Scarborough, the medicinal chemist who discovered two major cardiovascular drugs— nesiritide (Natrecor, Scios) and eptifibatide (Integrilin, Millennium Pharmaceuticals)—has died from brain cancer, aged just 52.

Dr Robert M Scarborough

Scarborough was a leading medicinal chemist of his generation and discovered nesiritide while working at California Biotechnology and eptifibatide while working at COR Therapeutics.

In 2003, Scarborough cofounded Portola Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel drugs for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, where he held the position of senior vice president, medicinal chemistry, until his death.

His colleague at Portola, Dr David Phillips, describes Scarborough as one of the most accomplished medicinal chemists of his time. "Significant advances in humankind are usually achieved by individuals who identify worthwhile objectives, become more skilled than others, and then devote their life's work to the pursuit of identified goals. The contributions of Robert Scarborough stand out as a shining example of what this paradigm can achieve," Phillips says. "Early in his career, Robert recognized that the discovery of new pharmaceuticals provides the opportunity to improve human lives. His contributions have significantly affected the lives of thousands of patients, improving the quality of the lives of patients with heart failure and reducing the risk of heart attack in patients with acute coronary syndrome."

Scarborough received his BS degree at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (1975), followed by a PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania (1979). He was the author of more than 100 issued patents and also of more than 100 scientific manuscripts. He also served on the editorial advisory board of Current Medicinal Chemistry.

In addition to two approved drugs, three additional drugs resulting from the efforts of Scarborough and his team are currently in clinical trials. One is a novel therapy for patients with leukemia. Another is a new oral anticoagulant for patients at risk for deep venous thrombosis, while the third is an antithrombotic, which is anticipated to provide additional benefit to patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Phillips adds: "Robert had an uncanny ability to deconstruct the most complex of problems into one or two issues, allowing his colleagues to see a path forward where none was evident previously. This was his remarkable gift: applying simple, clear logic to the most complex of issues. This, coupled with a keen sense of humor, wit, and loyalty, will leave a void for the many who have had the privilege to work with him during his career. The world has benefited from his tenacious pursuit of drug discovery, and he will be dearly missed."

Outside the world of chemistry, Scarborough's interests included fine wines, cars, Sierra adventures, and golf. He is survived by his wife, Carroll, and his son, Ian, who is five.

The American Chemical Society has established a lectureship in memory of Scarborough. Donations to the "The Robert M Scarborough Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry Award" can be addressed to Scarboroughfund@portola.com.