News & Insights

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, September 26, 2026 — In a compelling feature, the San Francisco Business Times highlights the remarkable scientific journey of Dr. Kevan Shokat, recipient of the 2026 Stephenson Global Prize, and his pioneering discoveries that helped transform the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer.

SAN DIEGO, CA, September 26, 2026 — FDA approval of Daraxonrasib (Rasonque) brings hope to pancreatic cancer patients

LOS ANGELES, August 26, 2026 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Rasonque (daraxonrasib), a RAS inhibitor for the most common form of pancreatic cancer—delivering a new treatment option to patients with advanced pancreatic cancer months ahead of schedule.

Aug 24, 2026 - In this episode of Oncology On the Go, CancerNetwork® speaks with Frank McCormick, PhD, FRS, DSc (Hon), about the arc of KRAS-targeted drug development over his 40-year career. He explains why KRAS was long considered “undruggable.” He walks through the origins of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) RAS Initiative, which he helped lead starting in 2013, and how that effort produced several drugs now advancing through clinical trials for pancreatic cancer.

LOS ANGELES, August 3, 2026 — The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) today announced the recipients of the 2026 Stephenson Global Scholar Grants. In partnership with City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, SGPCRI is awarding $6.7 million to support eight ambitious projects aimed at changing the trajectory of pancreatic cancer.

May 16, 2026 - In this powerful conversation, Sergey Badalyan, Assistant Managing Editor at OncoDaily Medical Journal, speaks with Jennifer Chun Kim, Executive Director of the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute. This discussion explores whether cancer research is entering a structural shift in how innovation is funded.

May 14, 2026 - The Stephenson Global Prize is designed to empower visionary researchers with the resources to accelerate discoveries that could change the trajectory of disease treatment. Dr. McCormick was honoured for uncovering how mutations in the KRAS gene drive tumour growth. "This recognition is deeply meaningful," says Dr McCormick. "Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases we face, and I’m honoured to share this award with my lab as we continue exploring new ways to target KRAS and develop therapies that could change lives."

Feb 27, 2026 - The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute, established a little over a year ago with a $150 million gift from entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, has refined its goals.

Feb 11, 2026 - The Stephenson Global Prize, a $1 million award for innovation in pancreatic cancer research, has opened its second call for nominations. Awarded annually, the Prize recognizes visionary scientific leaders whose work is fundamentally changing the trajectory of pancreatic cancer research. Nominations are now open through May 1, 2026.

Jan 29, 2026 - The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) today announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Stephenson Global Scholar Grants, a global funding opportunity in partnership with City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. This initiative is designed to support pioneering, high-impact science and accelerate discoveries aimed at ending pancreatic cancer. Applications are now open through February 25, 2026.

Oct 10, 2025 - McCormick was chosen as the recipient of the Stephenson prize - which aims to recognize "a lifetime of achievements that have significantly advanced pancreatic cancer research" - for his work establishing how mutations in the KRAS gene lead to oncogenesis.

Sep 30, 2025 - The global cancer research community today celebrated a historic milestone, awarding the inaugural Stephenson Global Prize to Dr. Frank McCormick for his groundbreaking discoveries that have transformed the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Sep 3, 2025 - We are delighted to share a significant milestone for SGPCRI: the inaugural Stephenson Global Prize—our most prestigious recognition in pancreatic cancer research—has been awarded to Dr. Frank McCormick, PhD, FRS, DSc (Hon), Professor at UCSF’s Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and David A. Wood Chair of Tumor Biology and Cancer Research.

July 16, 2025 - The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute and its partner City of Hope, one of the country’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations, today announced the six inaugural recipients of the prestigious Stephenson Scholar Grants.

February 13, 2025 - The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) is creating transformative new programs in a groundbreaking search for a cure for pancreatic cancer.

November 19, 2024 - In a historic gift, Emmet and Tessa bestowed $150 million — equivalent to two-thirds of the total allotted budget for pancreatic cancer research from the National Cancer Institute — to City of Hope.

October 08, 2024 - The $150 million gift was provided by entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and his daughter Tessa Stephenson Brand in honor of Toni Stephenson who passed away from pancreatic cancer.

Sept 23, 2024 - After losing Toni Stephenson to pancreatic cancer just four months after her diagnosis, A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and his daughter, Tessa Stephenson Brand, transformed their family’s profound loss into a commitment to change the future of the disease. Their historic $150 million gift supports pancreatic cancer research aimed at accelerating earlier detection, advancing new treatments, and ultimately finding cures. The initiative also established the $1 million annual Stephenson Prize, recognizing scientists making exceptional advances in pancreatic cancer research and carrying Toni’s legacy forward by creating hope for patients and families around the world.