Associate Professor Terry Johns

Senior Scientist & Research Fellow

Centre for Cancer Research

After completing a PhD in 1993 at Monash University in the Department of Biochemistry, Associate Professor Johns joined LaTrobe University’s Neuroimmunology Laboratory as a Post-Doctoral Fellow.   During his time there, he helped develop a new model of multiple sclerosis that remains in use around the world today.

In 1998, Associate Professor Johns commenced at the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research as a Research Fellow and eventually went on to establish the Oncogenic Signalling Laboratory.  The main focus of this laboratory was the development of antibodies that target receptors important to the survival and growth of cancer.  In particular, he was a key leader in the development of mAb 806; a novel antibody directed to the EGFR currently in clinical trial.

Associate Professor Johns brought his oncogenic signalling research to MIMR in March 2008.  He continues to develop novel therapeutic antibodies designed to treat cancer, but his focus is be on glioma (brain cancer).  In particular, the laboratory will analyse the key signalling pathways associated with growth of glioma, in order to guide the development of new therapeutic antibodies. 

In 2008, Associate Professor Johns received a three-year research grant from the James S McDonnell Foundation to develop an effective targeted treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common malignant tumour of the brain. He also received funding from Amgen, the world's largest biotech company, to help develop several new antibodies developed for the treatment of glioma