Yong He

Yong Yong has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Yong started their career at Cumbre Pharmaceuticals as a summer intern, where they were involved in the synthesis and evaluation of organic compounds for antibacterial and antiviral purposes. They later joined Cubist Pharmaceuticals, initially as a Scientist and eventually advancing to the role of Senior Scientist in the Discovery Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry departments.

In 2015, Yong transitioned to Enanta Pharmaceuticals as a Principal Scientist and later became a Principal Investigator, specializing in medicinal chemistry, process development, and small molecule drug discovery. They played a key role in the discovery and development of novel oral antiviral agents targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, they contributed to the development of FXR agonists for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other metabolic diseases.

Currently, Yong Yong holds the position of Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Zai Lab, where they continue to lead in medicinal chemistry research and strategic drug discovery efforts.

Yong Yong began their education journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Nanjing University, which they completed between 1993 and 1997. Yong then pursued a Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at The University of Texas at Arlington from 1999 to 2005. Following this, they joined Penn State University as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Prof. Ray Funk's Group, specializing in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, from 2005 to 2007.