The End of the Beginning of Penn's ImmunoRevolution

"Ever since I can remember, the pinnacle of scientific achievement has been finding new cures for cancer and I have been honored to lend myself to this quest. I could not be more proud of the FDA’s historic approval of CAR T cell therapy. Nor could I be more pleased for the patients who were previously out of treatment options—and who now have hope."

The first time Richard Vague heard Carl June, MD, talk about treating cancer with a patient's own immune system, he was awestruck and knew he had to get involved. He was so inspired that he established the Richard W. Vague Professorship in Immunotherapy—which Dr. June currently holds—as well as supported pancreatic cancer research.

With these generous gifts, Mr. Vague solidified his role as a critical philanthropic partner and advocate for Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and helped propel Penn’s novel immune therapy forward for our cancer patients.

Now, more than five years later, the Abramson Cancer Center is proud to celebrate a pivotal milestone in a new era of cellular therapies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the CAR T cell therapy developed by Dr. June and team.

The FDA’s landmark decision represents investment and perseverance by the ACC and our philanthropic partners. The ImmunoRevolution at Penn began over 20 years at a time of limited funding opportunities for novel ideas, when researchers like Dr. June relied on personal philanthropy to fuel innovation.

Become a soldier in the revolution.