Cross-border Biotech_Pharma Transaction Case Studies
Date: July 11, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – @ 7:30 pm
Location: zoom
2025 has seen a significant surge of cross-border licensing of biopharmaceuticals from China to the US, highlighting China’s growing activity in the sector. This year CABS has invited two experts in the field to provide in-depth discussions on the status of the field and the involving uncertainties arising from trade and geopolitical shifts.
Speaker 1: Dr. Cheni Kwok, Ph.D., CLP
Managing Partner and Founder at Linear Dreams
Dr. Cheni Kwok is a senior biopharmaceutical executive with broad operational expertise who is specialized in corporate strategy, business development (such as merger & acquisition, licensing， project financing) and alliance management. She has initiated, negotiated and executed over 200 transactions, including 20 disclosed cross-border partnerships. Dr. Kwok is the Founder and Managing Partner of Linear Dreams LLC, a San Franscisco Bay Area based management consultancy for the life sciences industry. The firm was founded in 2011 and its engagements include a broad range of business and corporate development activities for 80 clients in the United States, Europe and Asia.
Prior to founding Linear Dreams, Dr. Kwok served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at Poniard Pharmaceuticals Inc., Director of Business Development at Celera Genomics Inc., Associate Director of Business Development at Exelixis Inc.. and in various research management, technology assessment and alliance management roles at SmithKline Beecham plc (now GlaxoSmithKline plc). Dr. Kwok received a bachelor's degree with first class honors in biotechnology from Imperial College London, UK； a Ph.D. in human molecular genetics from the University of Cambridge, UK and has earned the Certified Licensing Professional （CLP） credential. At present, Dr. Kwok is serving on the Board of Directors of the Chinese-American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS).
Speaker 2: Dr. Janet (Jian) Xiao, Ph.D.
Head of China Life Sciences at Morrison Foerster
Dr. Janet (Jian) Xiao, Ph.D., specializes in world-wide patent procurement, patent portfolio management, and strategic planning for life sciences companies. Chambers USA and Chambers Global recognize her as being highly sought after for patent prosecution and strategy mandates by biopharmaceutical innovators from around the world.
Dr Xiao’s clients range from large renowned multinational companies to emerging startups worldwide. She advises her clients on patent matters relating to various technologies including antibody therapeutics, cell therapeutics, nanomedicine, gene therapy, drug delivery systems, diagnostics, and nutraceuticals.
Janet served as co-chair of the firm’s global Life Sciences Group from 2016 to 2019. She has been ranked by Chambers Global 2013 – 2024 as Expertise Based Abroad –Intellectual Property (International Firms), China.
Meeting Agenda:
6:00-6:10 pm: CABS introduction talk
6:10-6:40 pm: Sail for cross-border deals Dr. Cheni Kwok
6:40-7:10 pm: Navigating Legal Currents in Cross-Border Deal-Making
Dr. Janet (Jian) Xiao
7:10-7:30 pm: Q&A Session
Free event. Registration is required. Please scan QR code to register.
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