Cell Death is necessary for the normal development and functioning of multi‐cellular animals. Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell suicide, which removes cells that are no longer needed or have become dangerous. Professor Strasser showed that defects in apoptosis cause cancer and autoimmune disease and render tumour cells resistant to anti-cancer therapeutics. He identified many of the critical regulators of apoptosis. His discovery of the BH3-only proteins and their essential role in the initiation of apoptosis, including that triggered by many anti-cancer drugs, forms the basis of the so-called BH3 mimetic drugs. This Includes ABT‐199, Which is currently in phase 3 clinical trials, was recently awarded breakthrough therapy designation by the FDA and is expected to benefit many cancer patients.
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