College of Arts and Sciences:
Dr. Jackie Corbin

Corbin, a Vanderbilt University professor and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center researcher, was propelled into the scientific spotlight a decade ago with the launching of Viagra, the most successful drug debut in history.

Following his pre-med studies at TTU, Corbin’s graduate and post-doctoral work latched on to the type of research he’s pursued for more than 30 years. He immersed himself in the study of cyclic GMP, a molecule holding the key to several smooth muscle functions in the body, including blood pressure, nerve transmission and penile erection.

In the late '70s, Corbin and a post-doctoral student first identified a new enzyme, PDE-5, which serves to break down cyclic GMP. Pfizer, Viagra’s manufacturer, used the PDE-5 to develop a new medication to lower blood pressure. In drug trials and surveys, the new medication exhibited a side effect that led to a new trial focusing on erectile dysfunction. Viagra has since risen to $2 billion in annual sales.

Because of his credibility as a scientist, Corbin remains in great demand as a speaker, particularly to urologists and other doctors who trust him to explain the pure science, and not the hype, of the drug.

With support from two major government grants and a drug company, Corbin continues to explore other therapies for disorders like pulmonary hypertension and for ways to develop new and improved drugs for penile erection.

A star halfback on TTU’s football team in his college years, Corbin was a part of group that won three Ohio Valley Conference titles and played in the Tangerine Bowl in 1961.

(Summer 2009)