I-Mab Appoints Dr. Sean Fu As The Chief Executive Officer To Lead Cancer Immunotherapy Advancements
I-Mab names Dr. Sean Fu as permanent CEO, emphasizing his experience in immunotherapy and leadership.
Breaking News
Nov 07, 2024
Simantini Singh Deo
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I-Mab, a U.S.-based global biotech company aimed to develop innovative cancer immunotherapies, has officially appointed Dr. Sean (Xi-Yong) Fu, PhD, MBA, as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2024. Dr. Fu, who has been serving as Interim CEO since July 15, will also serve as a board member of I-Mab.
“Sean’s appointment is a significant step towards further realising I-Mab’s mission of delivering transformative therapies to patients worldwide. He has embraced his role as Interim CEO and has quickly proven to be a strategic and effective leader. Sean’s broad experience across all aspects of biopharmaceutical product development, partnering transactions, and organisational leadership, and his track record as an innovative entrepreneur makes him the right choice to lead I-Mab,” said Mr Wei Fu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of I-Mab.
With over 20 years in life sciences, Dr. Fu brings deep expertise in advancing clinical-stage assets. Before this role, he was an Operating Partner at ABio-X, a life sciences incubation platform. Dr Fu also co-founded RVAC Medicines, an mRNA-focused biotech. He previously held the role of Group VP and head of International R&D at Luye Pharma Group, where he managed teams in Boston, Princeton, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan.
Additionally, he served as CEO of GeneLeap, a Luye subsidiary focused on DNA and RNA therapies. Dr Fu’s 15-year tenure at Merck & Co. included roles in R&D, business development, finance, and operations, where he managed late-stage clinical portfolios and played a crucial role in integrating Merck's global R&D network after the $42 billion Merck-Schering Plough merger. Dr. Fu also holds a PhD in materials science and engineering from Ohio State University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Sean Fu commented, “During the last several months, I have seen the I-Mab team’s passion and dedication to advancing our differentiated portfolio of immunotherapies for cancer. I am honoured and excited to have this opportunity to continue to lead I-Mab as we advance our three clinical programs towards important upcoming milestones and further develop our strategy.”
He further added, “I look forward to working with our talented team at I-Mab and collaborating with the Board of Directors, leadership team, and partners as we work to realise the full potential of our promising portfolio and bring new therapies to cancer patients.”