Chair, Chief Executive, Puma Biotechnology Inc.
Auerbach established Puma Biotechnology in 2010 with a focus on developing cancer treatment pharmaceuticals for commercial use. He previously founded Cougar Biotechnology Inc., which he sold in 2009 to Johnson & Johnson for about $1 billion. Puma’s main revenue generator is Nerlynx, a follow-on drug to treat a type of breast cancer. The company is in clinical trials for another drug to treat a type of lung cancer.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
Nothing in life that is worth being proud of ever comes easily.
What’s your favorite movie, all time and in any category?
“Dead Poet’s Society.” I had a professor in college who played a very instrumental role in my life, and the movie reminds me of that.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Making cancer a disease that people live with rather than die from.
What was your first car? Would you like to have it back?
I don’t remember the make and model, but it had more rust than it did paint. While it had a lot of sentimental value, I don’t think the black cloud of smoke coming out of the exhaust would be very good for the environment.
What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is an entrepreneurial city with many successful companies that create a wonderful entrepreneurial environment. From a medical perspective, Los Angeles has some of the best and most prestigious medical facilities in the nation, which creates a great environment for biotech.
YEARS ON LA500: 9
