Roles
- Professor of Clinical Medicine
- Chief, Leukemia Section
-
Biography
Justin M. Watts, M.D., is a Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Hematology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Chief of the Leukemia Section at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Pap Corps Endowed Professor in Leukemia. Dr. Watts earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 2007 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, in 2010. He subsequently completed fellowship training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2014 before joining the University of Miami.
At Sylvester, Dr. Watts leads a clinical and translational research program focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). His research focuses on developing novel targeted and epigenetic therapies and advancing precision medicine approaches for patients with myeloid malignancies.
Dr. Watts has played a leading role in the clinical development of olutasidenib, a selective IDH1 inhibitor for patients with IDH1-mutated AML. He led its first-in-human clinical trial and contributed to its subsequent clinical development, which led to FDA approval in 2022 for adults with relapsed or refractory AML with a susceptible IDH1 mutation. His research continues to investigate novel therapies and combination strategies designed to improve the durability of treatment responses and patient outcomes.
Dr. Watts has led and participated in numerous early-phase and investigator-initiated clinical trials and has received national research funding for his work. His contributions continue to advance the development of new therapies and precision medicine approaches for patients with leukemia and other myeloid malignancies. His current work focuses on LSD1, menin, and other epigenetic and differentiation therapies in AML, including in the highest risk sub-types: KMT2A-r, MECOM-r, RAS-mutated, and TP53. -
Education & Training
Education
Post Graduate Training
Licensures and Certifications
-
Honors & Awards
-
Research Interests
Dr. Watts’ research focuses on generating new therapeutic options for patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. He does this through translational research with laboratory investigators and by designing and conducting early phase clinical trials of novel agents and precision medicine approaches, and by analyzing patients cells in the lab to understand the mechanisms of action. His research specifically focuses on developing epigenetic-targeted therapies for these diseases. -
Publications
Disclaimer: Information presented in this section has been consolidated using AI and machine learning technologies. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, errors may occur. If you identify any inaccuracies, use this link to inform our data team. Your feedback is appreciated and helps us improve the quality of our content.Professional Activities
Articles & News
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at ASH 2025: Advancing Blood Cancer Science Through Collaboration
Sylvester’s Researchers Lead Major Treatment Overhauls For Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Clinical Study on Targeted Drug Expands Treatment Options for Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Disclaimer:
Information presented in this section has been consolidated using AI and machine learning technologies. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, errors may occur. If you identify any inaccuracies, use this link to inform our data team. Your feedback is appreciated and helps us improve the quality of our content.
Clinical Trials
Viewing 0 of 3 clinical trials.
-
To determine the safety and tolerability of olutasidenib in combination with cladribine + LDAC venetoclax (Arm 1), gilteritinib venetoclax (Arm 2), and ruxolitinib (Arm 3) for patients with relapsed/refractory IDH1-mutated myeloid malignancies with a co-signaling mutation.To quantify the composite complete remission rate (CRc; CR + CRh + CRi) in patients with relapsed/refractory IDH1-mutated myeloid malignancies with a co-signaling mutation treated with olutasidenib in combination with cladribine + LDAC venetoclax (Arm 1), gilteritinib venetoclax (Arm 2), and ruxolitinib (Arm 3).
- Principal Investigator: Justin Watts
- Study Phase: Phase II
- Enrollment Status: Open
-
The purpose of this research study is to test the safety of an investigational drug called PRT12396 in people with polycythemia vera (PV) or myelofibrosis (MF). Researchers will study the drug's side effects and learn how it affects these conditions to help determine the best dose for future studies. PRT12396 has not been approved by the FDA and this is the first time it is being tested in humans.
- Principal Investigator: Justin Watts
- Study Phase: Phase I
- Enrollment Status: Open
-
Phase 1b: To determine the safety and tolerability and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of decitabine (either IV or oral decitabine/cedazuridine (ASTX727, Inqovi)) and venetoclax in combination with olutasidenib.Phase 2: To determine the complete remission rate (CR) of decitabine (IV or oral decitabine/cedazuridine (ASTX727, Inqovi)) and venetoclax in combination with olutasidenib for newly diagnosed (Arm A) or relapsed/refractory (Arm B) patients with IDH1-mutated myeloid malignancy.
- Principal Investigator: Justin Watts
- Study Phase: Phase I/II
- Enrollment Status: Open