The Children's Tumor Foundation
10/07/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Honoring Dr. Richard Soll at CTF’s 2025 National Gala
On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) will host its annual National Gala at Gotham Hall in NewYork City, bringing together NF patients, leading philanthropists, pioneering researchers, healthcare providers, civic leaders, and business champions. This year's event will celebrate extraordinary progress in NF research and recognize the individuals and partners driving that progress forward.
Among the evening's honorees is Dr. Richard Soll, who will receive the Cloud Carrier Award for his visionary leadership, global impact on drugMan in a suit and glasses stands in front of a blue and gold banner for the Children's Tumor Foundation National Gala, announcing the Cloud Carrier Award for Richard Soll. discovery, and heartfelt dedication to the NF community.
A Career of Breakthroughs in Drug Discovery
Dr. Soll is Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at WuXi AppTec, where he has held numerous leadership roles, including head of the medicinal chemistry unit, business development, and corporate alliances. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Soll's contributions have led to the discovery of more than 10 clinical-stage drugs, including therapies that have transformed the treatment of hepatitis C and certain types of cancer.
He played a key role in the Merck-WuXi partnership that led to the development of elbasvir (part of Zepatier) for the treatment of hepatitis C, as well as in the discovery of the JAK2 inhibitor fedratinib, which formed the basis of a $7 billion partnership between Celgene and Impact Biomedicines. Beyond WuXi, Dr. Soll has served on advisory boards that shape biomedical innovation worldwide, including the Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery at Tel Aviv University, the Pistoia Alliance, Accelerator Life Science Partners, and the Children's Tumor Foundation, where he also sits on the national Board of Directors.
Inspired by the NF Community
While his professional achievements are remarkable, what drew Dr. Soll to CTF was a deeply personal reason. He recalls being moved by the striking before-and-after image of Philip Moss, who lives with NF1 and whose tumor, once life-threatening, was dramatically reduced through a clinical trial drug. "It was remarkable to me," he said. "It sent a strong message that we must continue efforts to find more effective drugs that can be used across all forms of life."
Dr. Soll first became engaged with CTF after attending the National Gala in 2018, where he was deeply moved by the heartfelt stories shared by board member Frank Haughton and 2019 National Ambassador McKinnon Galloway. Their courage and honesty inspired him to support the Foundation's mission. "Those two really had an impact on me," Soll remembers. "It made me reflect on how I could make a difference for the organization."
Building Bridges Between Science and Advocacy
Since that moment, Dr. Soll has become a committed advocate, serving on the CTF Board of Directors and helping to elevate awareness of NF worldwide. At WuXi, he has championed rare disease programming, ensuring NF received attention on the global stage. WuXi's first-ever rare disease webinar, featuring NF, drew participants from 22 countries, a milestone that helped expand knowledge of NF in regions where the condition remains relatively unknown.
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"I get immense joy in trying to build bridges between science and advocacy," Dr. Soll shares. "Being involved with NF is a heartfelt experience for me."
Looking Ahead with Hope
With decades of experience in drug discovery, Dr. Soll believes CTF is entering its most exciting chapter yet. "We're at a time where numerous modalities are emerging, from small molecules to gene therapies," he explains. "CTF is laying the foundation by engaging in early-stage drug discovery through clinical trials, creating new opportunities and new hope for patients."
He points to the example of brigatinib, a lung cancer drug repurposed for NF2-SWN through CTF's Synodos initiative, which led to a clinical trial and publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. "That discovery demonstrated the profound effect of collaboration," he notes.
A Humbling Recognition
As he prepares to receive the Cloud Carrier Award, Dr. Soll expressed gratitude for the honor. "I'm humbled to be considered alongside the notable and philanthropic individuals who preceded me in this award," he said. "I feel very honored that CTF has chosen me as the recipient."
The 2025 National Gala will be a night of celebration, progress, and purpose-honoring leaders like Dr. Soll who embody the drive to end NF and bring brighter futures to patients and families worldwide.
The Children's Tumor Foundation published this content on October 07, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 09, 2025 at 15:06 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]