Shihao Chen

Shihao Chen has a diverse background in the field of biotherapeutics and cancer research. Shihao co-founded QLSF Biotherapeutics, Inc. in 2016. Prior to that, they worked at Pfizer from 2013 to 2016, where they held the roles of Senior Principal Scientist and Principal Scientist. At Pfizer, they focused on pre-clinical research related to anti-4-1BB antibodies and their impact on tumor immunity and toxicity. Chen also evaluated the therapeutic anti-tumor efficacy of 4-1BB as monotherapy and in combination with other immuno-modulators.

Before their time at Pfizer, Chen served as a Senior Scientist II at AbbVie / Abbott Biotherapeutics from 2010 to 2013. In this role, they played a part in the discovery and development of bi-specific antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Chen examined immune cell triggering molecules and their effects on cytotoxicity against tumors.

From 2007 to 2010, Chen was a Research Scientist II at Facet Biotech / PDL BioPharma. In this position, they led a working group focused on novel antibody discovery for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chen screened and characterized monoclonal antibodies, assessed their functional capabilities against tumor cells, and evaluated their efficacy in in vivo models.

Chen began their career as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The Burnham Institute from 2001 to 2007. Here, they researched tumor metastasis and the role of natural killer (NK) cells in inhibiting tumor growth. Chen made significant discoveries regarding the migration of NK cells into lymph nodes and their impact on tumor control.

Chen's earliest work experience was as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Shanghai Medical University, where they conducted research on the diagnosis of primary hepatocarcinoma (HCC) using M2-type pyruvate kinase. Shihao developed a sensitive immunoassay to measure M2-type pyruvate kinase levels in serum and discovered its potential in early liver and colorectal cancer detection.

Overall, Shihao Chen has a strong track record in the biopharmaceutical industry, with expertise in immunotherapy, antibody discovery, and tumor metastasis research.

Shihao Chen obtained a Bachelor of Medicine degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Shanghai Medical University from 1985 to 1989. Later, from 1994 to 2001, Shihao Chen pursued higher education at the University of Toronto, earning a Ph.D. and a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry.