Gareth Sanger

Professor Sanger has attained BSc (University of Newcastle), PhD (University of Manchester; 1977), DSc (University of Manchester). Post-doctoral fellow with Professor Alan Bennett (Kings College Hospital Medical School). Fellow of the British Pharmacology Society. Drug Discovery and Gastrointestinal Research at GlaxoSmithKline. Experience in all phases of drug discovery, placing 7 novel compounds into development, including granisetron (now an anti-emetic drug).

Research achievements have include the proposal that a novel receptor mediated the ability of 5-HT to increase gastrointestinal motility, later named by others as the 5-HT4 receptor. Identification of the role of the 5-HT3 receptor in the mechanisms of emesis, which led to the development of new drugs and a major change in the treatment of cancer.

Awarded the 1998 Discoverer’s Award by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Many research areas explored, including the functions of NK3, ghrelin and motilin receptors. Currently engaged in translational research, 'using human tissues to explore human disease'. Highly commended by NC3Rs for promoting a 'culture shift' in use of human tissues. Therapeutic focus is on gastrointestinal disorders associated with neurodegeneration and aging. Over 120 peer-reviewed research papers. Teaches modules on gastrointestinal neurobiology, emesis and drug discovery. Member of Wellcome Trust Peer Review College. Previously on editorial boards for the British Journal of Pharmacology. Consultant on gastrointestinal drug discovery and translational research.