Yuan Xu
About Yuan Xu
Yuan Xu is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive known for her leadership roles across several top biotech firms, including Legend Biotech, Merck, and Gilead Sciences.
Yuan Xu CEO of Legend Biotech Corporation
Yuan Xu served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Legend Biotech Corporation from March 2018 to August 2020. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in leading the company's initial public offering (IPO). Under her leadership, the company also advanced the clinical development of its autologous CAR T-cell therapy cilta-cel. Xu was instrumental in forging a strategic partnership between Legend Biotech and Janssen Biotech, Inc.
Yuan Xu Senior Vice President at Merck & Co.
Prior to her tenure at Legend Biotech, Yuan Xu was the Senior Vice President at Merck & Co., Inc. In this role, she was responsible for leading discovery, preclinical and technical development, and manufacturing for Merck's biologics and vaccines subdivision. Her comprehensive leadership contributed significantly to the advancement of Merck's biologics and vaccine initiatives.
Yuan Xu at Gilead Sciences
Yuan Xu served as General Manager and Vice President of Biologics at Gilead Sciences, Inc. She oversaw the development of biologics and vaccines and managed all operational aspects of Gilead's Oceanside manufacturing facility. Her responsibilities included ensuring the smooth operation and production within the facility, contributing to the strategic growth of Gilead’s biologics segment.
Leadership Roles at Novartis and Other Companies
Yuan Xu held the position of Vice President at Novartis, where she led several functions in the U.S. and Europe, including the biotherapeutics development unit focused on innovative medicines. In her earlier career, she held positions of increasing responsibility at Amgen Inc., Chiron, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, and Genentech Inc. These roles provided her with extensive experience and expertise in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Yuan Xu currently serves on the boards of directors of Fate Therapeutics, Inc. and Akero Therapeutics, Inc. Additionally, she holds scientific advisory and manufacturing advisory board positions at Resilience. These roles allow her to continue contributing her expertise and insights to the biopharmaceutical and therapeutics sectors.
Yuan Xu's Educational Background
Yuan Xu obtained her B.S. in biochemistry from Nanjing University. She then earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Maryland. Furthermore, she completed post-doctoral training in virology and gene therapy at the University of California, San Diego. Her solid educational foundation underpins her extensive career in the biopharmaceutical industry.