Overview
On January 24, 2026, the Science & Technology Committee (STC) of Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS) successfully hosted the Genetic Medicine Workshop, “Expanding Horizons in RNA and DNA Therapeutics: Delivery Technologies and Beyond”. Sbrought together ponsored by CoSynBio, the event more than 70 scientists and industry leaders from academia and biopharmaceutical companies to explore emerging delivery technologies and enabling platforms for RNA and DNA therapeutics.The workshop focused on the rapidly evolving field of nucleic acid therapeutics and gene editing, with particular emphasis on key biological and technical bottlenecks—including biodistribution, endosomal escape, and nuclear entry—and how these challenges are being addressed through innovative lipid nanoparticle (LNP) engineering, antibody-based conjugation strategies, and AI-enabled discovery platforms. Through four in-depth scientific presentations and an engaging panel discussion, the event offered attendees both strategic perspectives and practical insights into the future of genetic medicine. The workshop opened with a warm welcome and introduction to CABS by Dr. Sihong Zhou (President of CABS), followed by an overview of the agenda and speaker introductions by Dr. Alex Yang (Co-Chair of the STC).
Scientific Presentations
The first presentation, “LNPs and Beyond: The Evolving Landscape of Nucleic Acid Delivery Platforms,” was delivered by Dr. Jingjing Zhou (VP, Cosychem; CEO, Cosyngen). Dr. Zhou outlined the expanding nucleic acid therapeutics market and emphasized that successful delivery remains the central determinant of clinical success. He discussed the multifactorial challenges of nucleic acid delivery—including clearance, immune recognition, off-target effects, and endosomal escape—and described how Cosychem’s three-pillar innovation platform integrates delivery systems, raw materials, and therapeutic pipelines to address these hurdles.Dr. Zhou highlighted Cosychem’s extensive database of over 1,000 ionizable cationic lipid structures and demonstrated how AI-enabled design has substantially improved development efficiency and organ-specific targeting. Through rational lipid engineering and formulation optimization, the platform has achieved selective delivery to liver, spleen, lung, brain, and muscle tissues without reliance on antibody conjugation. His presentation underscored the importance of balancing safety, efficacy, stability, and manufacturability in LNP design and concluded with examples of successful industry partnerships and licensing opportunities.
The second talk, “Development of DNA-LNP Platforms and In Vivo Liver Targeting of Complex Nucleic Acid Payloads,” was presented by Dr. Lijun Huang (former Senior Principal Scientist, Poseida Therapeutics). Dr. Huang traced the evolution of LNP technologies from mRNA delivery to advanced DNA-LNP systems capable of in vivo gene insertion. He discussed the unique challenges facing DNA delivery—including low transfection efficiency, innate immune activation, and nuclear entry—and described how these issues are being addressed through novel cyclohexyl-based ionizable lipids, GalNAc-PEG detargeting strategies, and co-delivery of mRNA and DNA payloads.
Dr. Huang further introduced innovative DNA-binding excipients that enhance intracellular trafficking and nuclear delivery, significantly improving in vivo gene editing outcomes while reducing inflammatory responses. Preclinical data demonstrated effective liver targeting, durable gene insertion, and functional protein restoration in disease models, highlighting the promise of DNA-LNP platforms for scalable and repeat-dosable gene therapies.
After a short break, Dr. Kai-Yuan Chen (Director and Head of Computational Genomics and Data Science, Scribe Therapeutics) delivered the third presentation, “Rewriting the Genome with Code: AI-Driven Next-Generation Gene Therapeutics.” Dr. Chen addressed the immense design complexity inherent in CRISPR-based drug development and discussed why traditional experimental and computational approaches are insufficient to navigate this vast search space.He introduced the concept of a “lab-in-the-loop” framework that integrates next-generation sequencing, multimodal AI models, and automated high-throughput experimentation to accelerate the design–build–test–learn cycle. By combining high-quality data generation with AI-driven optimization, this approach has dramatically improved hit rates and shortened development timelines. Dr. Chen concluded by challenging the audience to reconsider long-held assumptions about the pace of drug development in an era increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence.The final presentation, “Cutting-Edge Advances Shaping the Future of RNA Therapeutics,” was delivered by Dr. Ivy Fu (Senior Scientist, Eurofins). Dr. Fu provided a broad overview of the evolution of RNA therapeutics, from vaccines to chronic and disease-modifying treatments, and highlighted why RNA-based medicines can access targets beyond the reach of traditional modalities.She discussed emerging strategies to overcome key delivery barriers, including engineered LNPs for extrahepatic targeting and antibody-conjugated delivery systems. Dr. Fu presented compelling examples of antibody-conjugated LNPs enabling cardiomyocyte delivery, supported by rigorous analytical and imaging methodologies. She also introduced Antibody–RNA Conjugates (ARCs) as a modular, carrier-free delivery platform with favorable tolerability and broad applicability. Her talk emphasized how advances in bioanalytics, automation, and machine learning are accelerating development and enabling scalable RNA delivery platforms.Panel Discussion and Networking
The workshop concluded with a lively panel discussion and Q&A session moderated by Dr. Alex Yang. Panelists and attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions on delivery modality selection, translational challenges, regulatory expectations, and long-term safety considerations. Topics included the balance between transient and permanent gene modification, lessons learned from recent viral vector setbacks, ethical considerations in genetic medicine, and the growing role of nonviral and in vivo cell-based approaches.Participants emphasized the importance of robust analytics, transparent risk assessment, improved translational models, and AI-enabled data integration to de-risk first-in-human studies. The discussion reflected a shared recognition that delivery technologies will continue to define the trajectory of RNA and DNA therapeutics.
Closing Remarks
The workshop concluded with strong enthusiasm and overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees valued the depth of scientific discussion, practical insights, and opportunities for cross-sector exchange. A networking lunch provided a relaxed environment for continued dialogue, fostering new connections and potential collaborations.With the support of CoSynBio, the speakers, organizers, and dedicated volunteers, the 2026 CABS Genetic Medicine Workshop was a resounding success. The event left participants inspired and well positioned to translate emerging delivery innovations into impactful therapeutic programs.
This workshop was made possible through the generous support of CoSynBio.
1633 Old Bayshore Hwy #280, Burlingame, CA 94010
You are cordially invited to attend 2026 Chinese New Year celebration party organized by the Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS). Please come to enjoy music, singing, dancing, and other entertainments performed by local Chinese dancers and artists, experience authentic Chinese foods, having fun solving riddles, prize draw and much more.
Please mark your calendar for this free event, and please note:
1, If you want to have lunch onsite, you have to make a donation to get a ticket for lunch. No ticket no lunch and no onsite donation accept.
2, Without a lunch ticket, you are welcome to register free ticket to enjoy our free show, it's a must as there is a max capacity limit of activity center.
3, Kids under 5 years old do not need a donation to get a lunch ticket.
4, Your early online donation will be greatly appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating Year of the Horse together!
Big thanks to our sponsors:
GemPharmatech is a global contract research organization that provides comprehensive preclinical research services and over 25,000 genetically engineered mouse models, including KO, cKO, humanized, immunodeficient mice, and more. We support drug discovery through custom model generation, breeding, and compound efficacy testing in China and the U.S., advancing research worldwide.
GenY Financial Advisors is a community of young advisors from Generation Y(1980–1995), dedicated to serving our peers. We host weekly webinars and in-person events across the Bay Area, Seattle, San Diego, Houston, and New York. Our mission is to help fellow Gen Y families start saving early, optimize taxes, plan for kids’ education, and care for aging parents—many of whom are retiring in the U.S. with us. Practical, relatable, and rooted in real life—we grow together.
Vazyme (688105.SH) is a global biotech supplier dedicated to advancing life science through innovative enzyme technology and continuously expanding the application fields of our core technologies in life science, in vitro diagnostics, bio-medicine, and others.
WuXi Biologics is a leading global CRDMO, with the R represented by our premium-quality CRO Services. With expertise in diverse drug modalities, we deliver comprehensive research services, including antibody discovery, protein production and engineering, and in vitro/in vivo testing, to seamlessly advance our clients’ molecules from concept to CMC development.
Founded in 2010 and listed in 2021, ACROBiosystems Group is a global biotechnology company serving the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries with innovative products and services. The company operates worldwide with R&D and manufacturing sites across the U.S. and Europe, and partners with leading pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. Its offerings span recombinant proteins, antibodies, kits, and scientific services, supporting drug discovery through clinical and commercial development.
Sandpiper Community Center, 797 Redwood Shores Parkway, Redwood City, CA 94063
Organizer: CABS BCD & Morrison Foerster | Sponsor: WuXi Biologics
Overview
On January 14, 2026, the Business and Career Development (BCD) of Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS) and Morrison Foerster hosted a one-day investor forum at the Morrison Foerster office in San Francisco, California. The event attracted nearly 300 attendees, including more than 70 investors. It was moderated by Wenjia Gu (CABS BCD co-chair) and Sihong Zhou (CABS President).
This forum is a high-level biotech conference featuring venture capital insights, panel discussions, and startup pitches. Jonathan Norris of HSBC provides a detailed overview of the healthcare investment landscape, highlighting a shift from the record-breaking highs of 2021 toward more cautious mega rounds and "insider" funding in recent years. Panel discussions explore the complexities of cross-border deals, particularly the balancing act between leveraging Chinese innovation and navigating tightening U.S. regulatory and geopolitical restrictions. Eight emerging companies present "roadshow" pitches on novel technologies, including AI-enabled clinical software, advanced cancer organoid platforms, in vivo CAR-T therapies, and specialized treatments for chronic conditions like Alzheimer's disease and fibrosis. Collectively, the event illustrates an industry transition where capital efficiency and advanced computational tools are essential for survival in a cautious funding environment.
Welcome & CABS Introduction
Sihong Zhou (President, CABS) delivered the opening remarks for the CABS 2026 investment forum. She introduced the CABS as a large, volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to professional growth and collaboration within the life sciences. She highlighted the organization’s impressive reach and its role as a dynamic platform for networking, science entrepreneurship, and career advancement for thousands of global members. By outlining upcoming workshops and the flagship 2026 BioPacific Annual Conference, Sihong emphasized the value of community involvement and corporate sponsorship in fostering innovation.
Keynote
Jonathan Norris (Managing Director, HSBC Innovation Banking) – HSBC Venture Healthcare Report
In this keynote address, Jonathan Norris provided a comprehensive data-driven analysis of the venture healthcare ecosystem, tracing its evolution from the 2021 market peak through a period of valuation correction and retrenchment. He highlighted the emergence of mega rounds ($100M+) as a primary strategy for risk mitigation, where investors consolidate capital into fewer, later-stage deals to ensure companies have sufficient funding to reach critical clinical milestones. While biopharma remains the dominant force in healthcare ventures at around 50% of the capital, there is a resurgence in platform technologies and a significant influx of capital into AI-enabled drug discovery. Regionally, Boston, the Bay Area, and San Diego remain dominant despite some geographic diversification. Norris also described the relationship between the U.S. and China as “frenemies”, where China serves as a vital source of innovation and accelerated clinical data, but also emerges as a competitor. He observed that M&A activity surged in 2025, and although upfront M&A values are rising, the increased capital invested via mega rounds has compressed exit multiples, reducing returns for traditional venture investors. IPO activity remains limited but has shown signs of improving, with stronger public market performance in the second half of 2025 despite valuation step-downs at listing. Ultimately, Norris expressed cautious optimism for 2026, noting that while high capital requirements are depressing exit multiples, strong M&A activity and a recovering public market suggest a stabilizing environment for innovation.
The full HSBC Venture Healthcare Report can be accessed through this link:
https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/-/media/hinv/pdf/2025-annual-venture-healthcare-report.pdf
Panel 1: Navigating Global Biotech Capital: Opportunities and Challenges in Cross-Border Investment
Panel 1 was moderated by Janet Xiao, Partner of Morrison Foerster LLP. The panel was opened with a live poll highlighting strong deal momentum: nine cross-border biotech transactions were announced during the week, following outbound China biotech deal values reaching an estimated $100–160 billion in 2025. Panelists explored the growing scale and complexity of China–US healthcare dealmaking, pointing to China’s speed, engineering efficiency, and rapid clinical execution as major drivers of outbound innovation. The discussion emphasized key success factors for cross-border deals, including strong and defensible intellectual property, clear clinical differentiation, and trust and transparency between partners. The NewCo model was discussed as an effective structure for managing development, governance, and geopolitical risk when advancing China-originated assets globally, although it comes with challenges. While acknowledging strong investor interest and deal activity, panelists also highlighted potential deal breakers such as IP concerns and increasing national security scrutiny, including export controls and investment restrictions. Despite ongoing decoupling pressures, the panel concluded that sustaining cross-border collaboration remains critical to advancing innovation and delivering life-saving therapies to patients worldwide.
Roadshow Session 1
Hong Ye (Founder & CEO, RenuMemo Therapeutics) – Multi-pathway Intervention for Meaningful Change in Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. Hong presented RM02, a small-molecule combination therapy for Alzheimer’s designed to target multiple pathways simultaneously, including neuro-inflammation and amyloid plaque reduction. They are currently seeking $4 million in seed funding to reach Phase 1 readiness.
hong.ye@renumemo.com
Shian-Jiun Shih (Co-Founder & CEO, Cellentia, Inc) – Leveraging Metastatic Cancer Organoids to Find Cures for Cancers
Dr. Shih showcased a platform using circulating tumor cell (CTC)-derived organoids to screen drugs against metastatic, drug-resistant cancers. The company is seeking $2 million to initiate their drug discovery journey, specifically targeting triple-negative breast cancer.
sjs@cellentiabio.com
Gurpreet Singh (Ph.D., Respiree, Inc) – Improving Lives Through Respiratory Innovation
Respiree provides AI-enabled clinical software and wearable devices designed to predict clinical deterioration with 20 times the precision of standard early warning scores. While they closed a series A in 2025, they were nearly closing a final allocation of funds during the forum week.
gurpreet@respiree.com
Guangrong Lu (Founder, President & CEO, Lucier Pharma) – Novel Science-based High Potential Drug Candidates for Diseases due to Microvascular Dysfunction
Dr. Lu focuses on microvascular dysfunction using novel science to develop two drug candidates for conditions like coronary microvascular function (CMD). They are seeking $1 to $2 million and are actively meeting for valuation and further fundraising.
Guangrong.Lu@lucier-pharma.com
John Rafferty, Partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, and Jennifer Hu, BD advisor, served as judges for Roadshow Session 1.
Sponsor Presentation
Yinpeng Zhan (BD Senior Manager, Wuxi Biologics) – Uniting Drug Development Expertise with Bispecific Antibody Production Services
Our sponsor WuXi Biologics introduced their high-throughput antibody production services. Their "Quick and Clean" service is designed for high-throughput screening, utilizing a streamlined three-step purification process to deliver high-purity samples with minimal toxins in under a month. For more complex projects, their "Premium Bispecific" service supports diverse antibody formats and employs advanced intact mass spectrometry to ensure the final product is free from unwanted byproducts.
Panel 2: Investor – Entrepreneur Dialogue: Building the Next Generation of Global Biotech Leaders
Panel 2 brought together a diverse group of leaders spanning CROs, biotech founders, venture investors, AI pioneers, and academic educators to explore how science, capital, and talent are shaping the future of global biotechnology. Moderated by Wentao Zhang, Co-CEO of Frontage Laboratories, the discussion highlighted key themes including what is “hot” in today’s funding environment, the centrality of patient impact over hype, and the growing influence of AI across the entire drug development lifecycle, from target identification and molecule design to clinical trial optimization and real-world data analysis. Panelists emphasized that successful innovation depends on strong differentiation, the right target–modality pairing, high-quality data, and capital-efficient execution, especially in a challenging funding climate. Longevity, neurodegeneration, RNA therapeutics, cell therapy, and senior health emerged as long-term opportunity areas, while AI was widely viewed as a transformative but still maturing tool rather than a silver bullet. The conversation also addressed global dynamics, noting China’s strengths in speed, clinical execution, and scale, alongside the US’s continued advantages in foundational innovation and talent, while cautioning that sustained leadership will require continued investment in science, data quality, and open global collaboration. Overall, the panel underscored that the next generation of global biotech will be built at the intersection of disciplined science, thoughtful use of AI, cross-border execution, and an unwavering focus on delivering meaningful therapies to patients.
Roadshow Session 2
Yuchen Zhou (Founder & CEO, Applied Cells, Inc) – Making CAR-T at <$10,000
Applied Cells have developed a rapid, low-cost CAR-T manufacturing process that reduces production costs to approximately $10,000 by using a "closed-loop" system that eliminates the need for a lengthy expansion phase. The company is actively looking for investors to co-create "CAR-T 2.0".
yuchen.zhou@appliedcells.com
Neil Desai (CEO & Founder, Aanastra, Inc) – Precision in vivo mRNA therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disease
Aanastra features a peptide-based delivery system for RNA that targets specific cell types to enable in vivo CAR-T therapy and treat p-53 mutations in cancer. They are seeking $8 to $10 million in seed financing, intended to lead into a $30 million series A.
ndesai@aanastra.com
Jessica He (BD Manager, Inhal Pharma) – The First-In-Class Inhalable GLP-1/GIP/GCGR Triple Agonist
Inhal Pharma is developing CT170, a first-in-class inhaled GLP-1 therapy for obesity and diabetes designed to improve patient adherence by replacing weekly injections. They are seeking $30 million for a seed round to complete non-clinical studies and a Phase 1 clinical trial.
jessica@inhalpharma.com
Deebie Symmes (CBO/COO, Aluda Pharmaceuticals) – Defeat Severe Stage Disease Across the Inflammation – Fibrosis Spectrum
Aluda targets vimentin, a structural protein acting as a "gas pedal" for disease progression, to treat severe inflammation and fibrosis. They are currently in the process of raising $15 million to cover manufacturing and Phase 1/2 clinical build-up.
Deebie@aludapharm.com
John Rafferty, Partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, and Ronjon Nag, of the R42 Group and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University, served as judges for Roadshow Session 2.
Closing Remarks
Sihong Zhou concluded the forum by thanking the speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and participants for their contributions. The event was successfully hosted by the BCD, E-Club, and PRC Committee at CABS.
Recap authors: Lingling Peng, Wenjia Gu, and Ellen Wan
Morrison Foerster office, 425 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94105
Join leading experts from biotech and pharma for a dynamic workshop on the future of RNA and DNA therapeutics. Discover cutting-edge advances in LNP delivery, RNA drug development, AI-powered gene editing, and next-generation nucleic acid platforms, and gain actionable insights driving the next wave of genetic medicines. Register now!
Agenda
Speakers’ Bios
Jingjing Zhou
Vice President, Cosychem
Dr. Zhou is currently the Vice President of Technology at Cosychem, where he leads cutting-edge efforts in oligonucleotide synthesis, lipid nanoparticle delivery systems, and the upstream development of raw materials critical to RNA and DNA therapeutics.
He earned his Ph.D. from Peking University, where he laid the foundation for his research in chemical biology and biomolecular engineering. Following that, he completed his postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego, deepening his expertise in translational biochemistry and nucleic acid drug development.
With extensive hands-on experience building GMP-compliant platforms and leading global technical collaborations, Dr. Zhou is at the forefront of developing integrated solutions for the next generation of nucleic acid-based medicines.
Lijun Huang
Former senior principal scientist at Poseida Therapeutics of Genentech
Dr. Lijun Huang is a medicinal chemist and nucleic-acid delivery scientist with extensive experience in ionizable lipid design, targeted LNP platforms, and oligonucleotide chemistry. He has developed novel lipids, GalNAc and cleavable PEG-lipid conjugates that have progressed into NHP and preclinical studies, supporting siRNA, mRNA, DNA and gene-editing programs. Dr. Huang has led cross-functional collaborations with CROs/CMOs on scale-up, CMC documentation, and analytical characterization of LNPs. His current work focuses on advancing targeted LNPs—including antibody- and VHH-decorated systems—for in vivo cell engineering and next-generation RNA therapeutics.
Kai-Yuan Chen
Director, Computational Genomics and Data Science, Scribe Therapeutics
Kai-Yuan Chen, PhD, is the Director of Computational Genomics and Data Science at Scribe Therapeutics, where he leads cross-functional teams spanning computational biology, genomics, data science, and lab automation. His work focuses on integrating high-throughput genomics with advanced ML/AI modeling to accelerate development of next-generation CRISPR-based gene and epigenetic editing therapies.
Ivy Fu
Senior Scientist in RNA Drug Research and Development, Eurofins
Dr. Ivy Fu holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Utah, where she built broad expertise in drug discovery, IND-enabling studies, and translational research. Her work contributed to the discovery of a potential therapeutic candidate, which led to a patent application and supported the launch of the startup NephroNovus.
She is now a Senior Scientist at Eurofins, specializing in assay optimization, candidate evaluation, and the development of novel therapeutics across multiple modalities and disease areas. Her contributions have directly supported the advancement of a drug development program into Phase III clinical trials.
With a strong foundation in scientific innovation and translational impact, Dr. Fu is dedicated to bridging research with real-world therapeutic development.
Sponsored By:
1633 Old Bayshore Hwy #280, Burlingame, CA 94010
CABS is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization headquartered in San Francisco, committed to advancing the life sciences and biotech industry through education, collaboration, and networking.
The annual event, Investor Forum, held in conjunction with the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, has been a hallmark of CABS for nearly 16 years. This year's forum is scheduled to take place on January 14th, 2026, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at Morrison Foerster’s San Francisco office (425 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105).
Our event will feature two insightful panel discussions—“Navigating Global Biotech Capital: Opportunities and Challenges in Cross-Border Investment” and “Investor–Entrepreneur Dialogue: Building the Next Generation of Global Biotech Leaders.” In addition, more than10 early-stage companies will participate in the roadshow.
Agenda:
8:00 – 8:45 AM: Registration & Breakfast
8:45 – 9:00 AM: Welcome & CABS Introduction
Sihong Zhou, President, CABS
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Keynote
Jonathan Norris, Managing Director, HSBC Innovation
9:30 – 10:30 AM: Panel 1: Navigating Global Biotech Capital: Opportunities and Challenges in Cross-Border Investment
Moderator: Janet Xiao, Partner, Morrison Foerster LLP
Panelists: David Newman, Partner, Morrison Foerster LLP;
Qiang Lu, Co-founder & Chairman of the Board, GenFleet Therapeutic;
Eric Hu, Chief Business Officer, Expedition Therapeutics;
Leon Tang, Founder, InScienceWeTrust BioAdvisory;
Helen Chen, President, L.E.K. Consulting
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Coffee Break & Networking
10:45 – 11:45 AM: Roadshow
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch & Networking
12:30 – 1:30 PM Panel 2: Investor–Entrepreneur Dialogue: Building the Next Generation of Global Biotech Leaders
Moderator: Wentao Zhang, Co-CEO, Frontage Laboratories, Inc.
Panelists: Hua Tu, President & CEO, Cerepeut;
Nan Ji, President & CEO, PAQ Therapeutic;
Hu Li, Venture Partner, Eight Roads (ERVC);
Ronjon Nag, R42 Group;
Neil Desai, Founder & CEO, Aanastra, Inc
1:30 – 2:15 PM: Roadshow
2:15 - 3:00 PM Closing remarks & Networking
Speakers Bio:
Jonathan Norris | Managing Director, HSBC Innovation
Jonathan Norris joined HSBC’s Innovation Banking Division in April 2023. He manages healthcare venture relationships and works with investors and companies on commercial banking and debt products.
In addition, for more than a decade, Jonathan has written comprehensive reports on the venture healthcare ecosystem, covering venture fundraising, investment, valuations and exits. These reports have been widely cited in the ecosystem and he often speaks at major investor and industry conferences. He has more than 20 years of healthcare banking experience.
Jonathan earned a B.S. in business administration from the University of California, Riverside, and a J.D. from Santa Clara University.
Janet Xiao | Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP
Janet focuses her practice on worldwide patent procurement, patent portfolio management, and strategic planning for life sciences companies. Janet’s clients range from large multinational biopharmaceutical companies to emerging startup companies. Recognized as being highly sought after for patent prosecution and strategy mandates, Janet develops and strengthens her clients’ complex patent portfolios to maximize commercial value. She is instrumental in developing strategies for multibillion-dollar patent portfolios for pharmaceutical clients. She also works extensively in performing IP due diligence reviews in the contexts of VC investments, technology transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and marketing and manufacturing clearance for biopharmaceutical products.
David Newman | Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP
David Newman serves as co-chair of the firm’s National Security and Crisis Management practices, drawing upon his deep experience in private practice and as a senior U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and White House official to represent clients in high stakes matters involving national security, geopolitical risk, emerging technology, and crisis management. David also leads the firm’s interdisciplinary Government Strategies group.
A former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security (PDAAG) and Associate Deputy Attorney General, David advises companies navigating cybersecurity incidents, sanctions and export control enforcement, Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS) reviews, and Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) investigations. He has extensive experience conducting internal and government-facing cross-border investigations and representing clients in congressional inquiries and hearings.
Qiang Lu | Co-founder and Chairman of Board, GenFleet Therapeutics
As GenFleet's Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Dr. Qiang Lu oversees the company's strategic planning, financial management and business operations. With over 20 years of experience in life sciences research and the development of innovative therapies, Dr. Lu boasts extensive expertise across multiple sectors within the industry. Leveraging both practical approaches and strategic foresight, he has successfully advanced numerous products to pivotal clinical and commercial stages. Since its inception in 2017, GenFleet has built up industry-leading capabilities in developing novel drug candidates spanning small molecules and biologics and was publicly listed on the main board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange in September 2025. The company has set up a highly differentiated RAS-targeted matrix including selective and Pan RAS inhibitors of diverse molecular types, with most assets leading their categories in clinical progress in China or globally. In addition, the company has pioneered a series of first-in-class combination therapies based on dual-target synergistic mechanisms.
Dr. Lu received his doctoral degree from Brandeis University and completed postdoctoral training at Tufts University. He joined Wyeth and Novartis in America and commanded numerous R&D programs to develop preclinical candidates. Following his overseas career, he served as vice president of WuXi AppTec in China, Chief Scientific Officer of Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group and Gloria Pharmaceuticals, and senior vice president of CStone Pharmaceuticals. Besides spearheading many compounds into late-stage clinical trials, he also played a major role in operating and promoting multinational R&D platforms.
Eric Hu | CBO, Expedition TherapeuticsEric Hu, Ph.D., serves as Chief Business Officer at Expedition Therapeutics, where he leads corporate strategy, business development, and partnerships, and supports fundraising and commercial initiatives. Prior to joining Expedition, Dr. Hu was Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy and Head of U.S. Operations at Overland Pharmaceuticals, where he helped establish Overland Therapeutics and advance the company’s CAR-T programs. Before that, he was a senior member of the business development team at Turning Point Therapeutics prior to its $4.1 billion acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb. Earlier in his career, Dr. Hu conducted research in antivirals, inflammation, and oncology before serving as an oncology search and evaluation liaison at Gilead Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from UCLA and his B.S. in Chemistry from Beijing Normal University.
Leon Tang | Founder, InScienceWeTrust BioAdvisory
Leon ‘Jun’ Tang, PhD is the founding partner of InScienceWeTrust BioAdvisory, a life sciences consulting company focused on the East-West cross-border BD&L and R&D collaborations in the pharmaceutical industry. ISWT BioAdvisory has advised 30+ biotech companies, investment funds, and other companies in the life sciences industry.
Dr. Tang is also the founder of InScienceWeTrust Community, a US-based nonprofit that has more than 4,000 active members from the Asian biotech community. Dr. Tang serves as a scientific advisor to Mianus Capital, a boutique US-based healthcare PE/VC fund currently focused on ophthalmology. He is also an advisor to BioSpark, an Asian biotech professional’s association based in Massachusetts.
Previously, Dr. Tang was a senior director of BD Search & Evaluation at Shanghai Henlius Biotech, a biotech sell-side analyst at Barclays Investment Bank, and a senior manager at the philanthropic venture fund of Cancer Research Institute of New York.
Dr. Tang has published more than 50 academic papers in prestigious journals like Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, Lancet Oncology, Science Translational Medicine, Nature Communications, Science Advances, PNAS, etc.
Dr. Tang received his bachelor’s degree from Tianjin University and master’s degree from Nankai University in China, a PhD degree from Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai, and postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Dr. Tang is well recognized expert in China biotech, and he was featured by Caixin Magazine, China Newsweek, Endpoints News, Fierce Pharma, and many leading investment banks.
Helen Chen | President, L.E.K Consulting
Helen Chen is Global Sector Co-Head for Healthcare, Head of Asia Healthcare and a Greater China Managing Partner of L.E.K. Consulting based in Shanghai. Helen has over 30 years of consulting and industry experience in the U.S. and Asia markets and has lived in China since 2000. She helps companies expand their presence in China and Asia, and leverages Asia’s innovation to improve their global businesses. Helen was named one of Consulting magazine’s Global Leaders in Consulting in 2019.
Prior to joining L.E.K., Helen was an associate director of finance at Genentech (now Roche) and a sales planner at Abbott Laboratories (now Abbvie). Helen has an honors B.A. degree in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University.
Wentao Zhang | Co-CEO, Frontage Laboratories, Inc.
Dr. Wentao Zhang is the Co-CEO of Frontage Lab, a global CRO providing solutions from early drug discovery to phase 1 clinical development with operations in North America, Asia and Europe. Wentao joined Frontage in 2021 when Frontage acquired Quintara Discovery, an innovative drug discovery service organization in the San Francisco Bay Area that he founded in 2012. Before founding Quintara, Wentao was Senior Director at Exelixis where he managed key drug discovery platforms and contributed to two FDA-approved oncology therapeutics. Wentao published extensively and also served as an ad hoc member of the NIH study section.
Wentao received his BS in Chemistry from Peking University and PhD in Biophysical Chemistry from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He did postdoctoral research at the University of California-Berkeley.
Hua Tu | President and CEO of CerepeutDr. Hua Tu is a scientist and biotech entrepreneur best known as the founder and former CEO of LakePharma, Inc., a leading U.S. biologics contract research, development, and manufacturing organization. He founded LakePharma in 2009 after more than 11 years at Tularik and Amgen, where he gained deep experience in biologics and drug development. Under his leadership, LakePharma expanded to six sites across California, Massachusetts, and Texas, serving hundreds of biopharmaceutical clients before being successfully acquired by Curia Global in 2021. Today, Dr. Tu serves as Chairman and CEO of the Maragin Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing biomedical research. He is also President and CEO of Cerepeut, a leading longevity drug development company.
Nan Ji | President and CEO of PAQ TherapeuticsDr. Nan Ji is President and CEO of PAQ Therapeutics. He is a prolific inventor and discoverer, with more than 30 patent applications filed. With three years spent at Kymera Therapeutics from the time the company was in its seed stage, he is also an expert at building an organization from the ground up. At Kymera, Dr Ji served as Vice President of Chemistry and played significant roles in driving the company scientific strategies, platform-building activities, and business development, as well as external collaborations crucial to the company’s success in targeted protein degradation technology. Before Kymera, Dr Ji spent 2 years at Mitobridge (now part of Astellas), where he was responsible for its NAD+-boosting portfolio with multiple approaches to modulate mitochondrial functions. Prior to that, he spent 7+ years at Novartis, where he contributed to and delivered multiple clinical and preclinical development candidates. Dr Ji earned his PhD in organic chemistry from Harvard University.
Hu Li | Venture Partner, Eight Roads (ERVC)
Dr. Hu Li is a Venture Partner of Eight Roads (ERVC). He manages existing portfolios, leads investment in therapeutics, participates in company creation including playing executive roles.
Hu has over 25 years of multi-modality drug discovery, translational and preclinical development at strategic and operational levels within the global biopharmaceutical industry.
Prior to ERVC, Hu was Vice President of Shanghai Miracogen, later acquired by Lepu Biopharma (2157.HK), a China biotech startup he cofounded. Hu was instrumental to the company’s R&D strategy, led pipeline construction, and advanced five ADC programs from discovery to the clinic, including one recent NMPA market approval, MRG003, three in registration trials including Claudin 18.2 ADC, CMG901, he co-invented and outlicensed to AZ for $1.1B USD.
Before returning to China in 2015, Hu had 19-year tenure at GSK R&D in Philadelphia where he started as a bench biochemist and gained increasing responsibilities and significant experience in drug discovery in multiple TAs. From 2012 to 2014, Hu served as Discovery Biology Consultant for Scinovo providing drug discovery expertise for program evaluations for SR One and external alliances.
Hu has B.Sc. in Chemistry from Nanjing University, M.Sc. from Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Bryn Mawr College.
Ronjon Nag | R42 Group, Adjunct Professor, Stanford University
Professor Ronjon Nag is an inventor and entrepreneur. He is an Adjunct Professor in Genetics at the Stanford Medicine. He is a founder of R42 Group - an AI and Longevity Fund - and advisor/board member of multiple start-ups. His companies have been sold to Apple, BlackBerry, and Motorola. He works at the intersection of AI and Biology. He has been awarded the Mountbatten Medal, the $1m Verizon Powerful Answers Award, and inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame.
Professor Nag has a Ph.D from Cambridge, an M.S from M.I.T and a B.Sc. from Birmingham in the UK, and is an Adjunct Professor in Genetics at the Stanford School of Medicine.
Neil Desai | Founder and CEO, Aanastra, Inc
Neil Desai, PhD, is the Founder, CEO and Chairman of Aanastra, Inc., and cofounder of Divincell SAS, companies that are pioneering novel peptide-based RNA therapeutic drug delivery for the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases.
Dr. Desai is also the founder, Executive Chairman, Board member and former CEO (2014-Dec 2022) of Aadi Bioscience, which he steered to the public market (AADI: Nasdaq) in August 2021,and to the approval as well as commercialization of its flagship drug FYARRO, the first FDA approved therapy for advanced malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa), an ultra-rare sarcoma . He was responsible for building Aadi from a single person to over 80 employees and raised multiple financing rounds (private and public) totaling over $265M. The commercial product FYARRO was acquired by Kaken Pharma for $100M in 2025.
Dr Desai is the inventor of the foundational nab technology (nab-sirolimus (FYARRO) and nab-paclitaxel (ABRAXANE). Dr. Desai was previously the SVP of global R&D at Abraxis Bioscience, where he invented the nab technology and grew and led the Abraxane team through all drug development stages and approvals in Breast, Lung and Pancreatic cancer. He was part of the team that was responsible for the acquisition of Abraxis by Celgene Corp for approximately $3B in 2010 and was subsequently VP of Strategic Platforms at Celgene until 2016. Prior roles during his 25+ year career include senior positions at American BioScience, Inc., VivoRx, Inc. and VivoRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (predecessor companies of Abraxis), where he worked on the early discovery and development of Abraxane, developed novel encapsulation systems for living cells and was part of the team that performed the world’s first successful encapsulated islet cell transplant in a diabetic patient.
Dr. Desai received a M.S and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, USA, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, India.
Event Proudly sponsored by
Morrison & Foerster LLP, 425 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
The Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS) is pleased to announce the 2026 Data Science Summer Intern Program, a 10-week remote internship designed to train the next generation of data science leaders in the U.S. biopharma industry.
Open to undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students currently studying in the United States, this program offers hands-on experience applying AI, machine learning, and data analytics to real-world challenges across the drug development process — from target discovery to clinical research and commercialization.
Interns will collaborate with data science teams from CABS member companies, attend professional workshops, and receive mentorship from industry experts.
Timeline
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Applications Open: January 1, 2025
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Deadline: May 15, 2026
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Internship Dates: June 15 – August 15, 2026
This is a non-paid, remote, educational internship — CPT is not required.
Contact Dr. Shicheng Guo (shicheng.guo@cabsweb.org) for more details.
Registration Page: https://forms.gle/kfKVcw9N1ptJLaoj6
Welcoming Liping Meng as President-Elect of CABS for 2026！