Dr. Liu Yongjun is a world-renowned immunologist whose pioneering work has significantly advanced our understanding of the immune system and its therapeutic applications. He currently serves as President of Innovent Biologics Group, bringing decades of expertise in immunological research and drug development to this leadership role. After earning his MD from Norman Bethune University of Medical Sciences in 1984, he pursued advanced training in immunology, completing his PhD at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 1989. His distinguished career has spanned prestigious institutions including the DNAX Research Institute where he served as Principal Scientist, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center where he founded and chaired the Cancer Immunology Research Institute. His deep roots in Chinese academia remain evident through his continued affiliation with The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University.
Dr. Liu's groundbreaking discovery of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a critical component of the innate immune system specialized in anti-viral immunity, has fundamentally reshaped immunological research and therapeutic development. His prolific scholarly output includes over 260 publications in premier journals such as Nature and Science, accumulating more than 94,000 citations according to Google Scholar, reflecting the extraordinary impact of his work. His research has directly led to the identification of several key drug targets in immunology, allergy, and oncology, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 (CD134), which have formed the foundation for numerous therapeutic interventions. The practical applications of his discoveries extend to multiple clinical areas, with his insights into immune mechanisms catalyzing the development of innovative treatments for inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. His work exemplifies the successful translation of fundamental immunological discoveries into tangible medical advances that benefit patients worldwide.
As a scientific leader, Dr. Liu has played a pivotal role in shaping the global immunology research landscape through strategic leadership positions at major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. His appointment as President of Innovent Biologics Group represents a strategic move to leverage his extensive expertise in immunology and drug development to accelerate the company's innovative pipeline for global markets. Dr. Liu's vision for integrating cutting-edge immunological research with practical therapeutic development has established him as a key figure in bridging the gap between academic discovery and clinical application. He continues to guide research efforts that focus on developing first-in-class and best-in-class drugs, particularly in the fields of immunology and oncology, with the potential to transform treatment paradigms. Under his leadership, Innovent is poised to make significant contributions to the global biopharmaceutical landscape, building on Dr. Liu's lifelong commitment to advancing medical science through innovative immunological research.
