Hua Yang
About Hua Yang
Hua Yang is the SVP of Nonclinical Development, known for her significant contributions to the approval of cancer treatments IDHIFA and TIBSOVO.
Title: SVP, Nonclinical Development
Hua Yang currently holds the title of Senior Vice President (SVP) of Nonclinical Development. This role encompasses leading and overseeing the nonclinical development strategies, ensuring the alignment of preclinical research with clinical objectives. Yang is responsible for guiding research teams, managing scientific investigations, and contributing to the overall drug development process within the organization. Her extensive experience in the field plays a pivotal role in the strategic planning and execution of innovative pharmaceutical development programs.
Education and Expertise: PhD in Pharmacokinetics
Hua Yang earned her PhD in Pharmacokinetics from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Pharmacology from Fudan University and a Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacology from Peking Union Medical School. Her educational background provides a strong foundation in pharmacological sciences, contributing to her expertise in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). This academic training has been vital in her professional roles, equipping her with the necessary skills to excel in drug development and pharmacokinetics.
Professional Background: Former Vice President at Agios Pharmaceuticals
Before her current role, Hua Yang served as the Vice President of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and Clinical Pharmacology at Agios Pharmaceuticals. In this capacity, she played a critical role in leading the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations of drug candidates. Her leadership contributed significantly to the company's research and development initiatives, particularly in the areas of clinical pharmacology and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Key Contributions: Discovery and Approval of IDHIFA and TIBSOVO
Hua Yang was instrumental in the discovery, development, and successful approvals of IDHIFA (enasidinib) for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and TIBSOVO (ivosidenib) for AML patients with IDH1 mutations. These contributions reflect her expertise and impact in advancing innovative treatments in oncology. Her involvement spanned from the initial discovery phase to securing regulatory approvals, underscoring her ability to drive complex drug development processes through to successful outcomes.
Previous Roles: DMPK and Drug Discovery at Millennium/Takeda and Bristol-Myers Squibb
Hua Yang has also held significant roles at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, now part of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. At these companies, she was involved in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) as well as drug discovery. Her work at these organizations further honed her skills in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, contributing to the development of numerous pharmaceutical products. Her experience in these roles has been a cornerstone of her career, providing a substantial base of knowledge and expertise in the pharmaceutical industry.