Ascentage Pharma CEO Dr. Dajun Yang Ranked Among Top Global Small Molecule Leaders In The Medicine Maker Power List 2026

Ascentage Pharma Group International, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercialising innovative cancer therapies, has announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dajun Yang, has been recognised in *The Medicine Maker Power List 2026*. Dr. Yang secured the No. 3 position among the Top 10 leaders in the Small Molecules category, highlighting his significant contributions to oncology drug development and pharmaceutical innovation.

Published annually by “The Medicine Maker”, the Power List honours influential individuals who have made outstanding contributions to drug discovery, pharmaceutical manufacturing, advanced therapies, and expanding patient access to innovative medicines. The selection process includes nominations from pharmaceutical professionals around the world, followed by evaluation by an independent panel of industry experts. The 2026 edition recognises 60 distinguished leaders whose work continues to shape the future of the global pharmaceutical industry.

“The Medicine Maker” is an internationally recognised publication covering every stage of pharmaceutical development, from early drug discovery and chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) to industrialisation and commercialisation. Over the years, its annual Power List has become a respected benchmark for recognising scientists, researchers, executives, and industry pioneers whose leadership has driven innovation across the global life sciences sector.

Dr. Yang co-founded Ascentage Pharma in 2009 and has devoted more than 30 years to oncology research, apoptosis pathway studies, and the development of innovative cancer medicines. Under his leadership, the company has built a strong pipeline of small molecule therapies with the potential to become first-in-class or best-in-class treatments globally. Among its notable achievements is the development of olverembatinib, the first third-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved in China for specific blood cancers.

In July 2025, Ascentage Pharma achieved another important milestone when China approved lisaftoclax for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The approval made lisaftoclax only the second Bcl-2 inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world since venetoclax was introduced in 2016, representing a significant advancement in targeted cancer therapy.

The company is currently advancing several global Phase III clinical programmes led by Dr. Yang, including studies evaluating olverembatinib and lisaftoclax across a range of haematological malignancies and solid tumours. In addition to these programmes, Ascentage Pharma is also investing in next-generation technologies such as targeted protein degradation to broaden its oncology research portfolio.

Throughout his career, Dr. Yang has remained focused on addressing unmet medical needs through scientific innovation. Under his leadership, Ascentage Pharma has successfully commercialised two innovative cancer therapies—olverembatinib and lisaftoclax—both designed to address important treatment gaps for patients. The company is also conducting multiple global registrational Phase III clinical trials, with four programmes receiving clearance from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

One of the company's most significant ongoing programmes involves lisaftoclax, which is currently the only Bcl-2 inhibitor being evaluated in a global registrational Phase III trial for patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). If successful, the treatment could provide a much-needed therapeutic option for patients facing limited existing choices.

Beyond scientific achievements, Dr. Yang has also guided Ascentage Pharma through major corporate milestones. Under his leadership, the company completed one of China's largest business development transactions involving an innovative small molecule pharmaceutical company. Following its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in October 2019 and its Nasdaq listing in January 2025, Ascentage Pharma became the first biopharmaceutical company to achieve dual primary listings by first listing in Hong Kong and later in the United States.

Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Yang said he was honoured to be included in *The Medicine Maker Power List 2026*. He described the achievement as recognition not only of his own work but also of the dedication and scientific excellence demonstrated by the entire Ascentage Pharma team over many years. He added that developing innovative medicines requires long-term commitment and that the company will continue advancing its apoptosis-targeted research pipeline, accelerating global clinical development, and working to deliver more innovative treatment options to patients with cancer worldwide.