SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Bob Duggan is again leading the way with innovation in the field of medicine. After pioneering the field of robotic surgery, he and his team at Pharmacyclics Inc. are now taking on cancer. They are experiencing major success in treating patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), two types of blood cancer, with their new drug.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140613/117754

As a result of statistically significant clinical trial results, Pharmacyclics' drug was awarded Breakthrough Therapy recognition by the Federal Drug Administration and has gained approvals for the treatment of CLL and MCL for patients who have experienced at least one previous therapy. Patients affected by either of these rare forms of cancer now have a promising new treatment option.

The Pharmacyclics team has the objective of creating medicines that improve both the quality and duration of patients' lives. They achieve this objective through hard work, sacrifice, money, organization, communication, affinity for what they do and a willingness to be of service to others.

The company began in 1991 and has grown to approximately 500 staff. In 2013, the company invested more than $54 million in research and development. Bob Duggan became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 2008 and since that time, the company's stock value and reputation has increased exponentially.

Previously, Duggan was closely involved in the field of robotic surgery. His former company, Computer Motion, successfully performed the world's first FDA-approved robotics-assisted surgery in the mid 90's. After further developing this technology, long-distance procedures became possible. In 2001, a surgeon located in New York successfully performed a gall bladder operation on a patient in France.

Bob Duggan received "La Legion D'Honneur" for his contributions to robotic surgery from Jacques Chirac, the President of Frances at the time. This acknowledgement was for his introduction of robotic surgical technology into the French health care system. The result of this has had a significant impact on reducing patient trauma, improving recovery time, and reducing the costs of health care.

As Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Duggan lead Computer Motion until it merged with Intuitive Surgical in 2003.

While he has been a leader in medical innovation, Duggan has also become a leading philanthropist. An important part of his success is his desire to work for the greater good, and create a positive impact through giving. He and his wife, Trish are leading supporters of social programs that positively influence the lives of millions of people worldwide. Increasing literacy, preventing harmful drug and alcohol addiction, providing disaster relief and effectively reducing crime rates are some of the initiatives they have supported. In addition, they have been strong contributors to the arts as well as to their alma mater, UC Santa Barbara.

Bob Duggan continues his pursuit of medical innovation to enhance the lives of patients. Research and development is ongoing and there is now more hope for patients with blood cancer. And, although he is no longer directly involved in the field of robotic surgery, it continues to benefit patients worldwide.

Media Contact: Craig Edward, Communications Services, (323) 577-9325, communication-services@outlook.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Bob Duggan