Chemistry and Medicine for Modern Life

Bio:  

Yajun Yan got his Ph.D. degree (2008) at University at Buffalo, the State University of New York in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. During this period, his research focus was metabolic engineering. From 2008 to 2010, he did his postdoctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles with further training in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. In 2010, Dr. Yan joined the University of Georgia as an assistant professor of Biochemical Engineering and was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2015 and full professor in 2019. His current research focuses on developing enzymatic and microbial approaches for green biomanufacturing. He has published over 100 research articles in scientific journal with high impact, including Nature Biotechnology, PNAS, Nature Communications, Trends in Biotechnology, Biotechnology Advances, Metabolic Engineering etc. In addition, his research has resulted in 16 issued patents. Several of them were licensed to ChromaDex and Easel Biotechnologies, respectively. His patented work also led to two startup companies. 

Abstract: 

 The use of microbial systems for synthetic purposes holds significant promise in the realm of green manufacturing. However, in order to fully unleash the potential of these systems, it is imperative to broaden the range of products that can be synthesized and improve the efficiency of biosynthesis. Achieving these goals necessitates concerted efforts in two areas: constructing synthetic pathways for compounds that are beyond the scope of natural hosts and developing overproducing strains. These efforts require the identification of new enzymes or the creation of novel enzymatic activities that can function in non-natural pathways, as well as the reprogramming of cellular metabolism and regulation to better support biosynthetic activities. In this seminar, we will present a selection of projects that showcase our understanding and experience in these fields, including: 1) repurposing enzymes to enable microbial synthesis of diverse specialty chemicals, and 2) establishing a modifiable carbon metabolism coordination system to promote carbon-efficient production. 

  Bio:  

Zhixiong Xue, Ph.D., Senior Principal Scientist and Technical Fellow, IFF

Zhixiong received his bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Nanjing University, and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Enzymology from UCLA. After post doctoral training at Columbia University, he joined DuPont Central Research as a molecular and cell biologist. His expertise are in functional genomics, molecular biology, and genetic engineering of microorganism

In 27 years with DuPont and IFF, Zhixiong has worked on a variety of projects, focused on engineering of microbes as cell factory for production of chemicals. He led strain engineering effort for advanced biofuel program, and was also a key member of teams that engineered yeast to produce omega-3 fatty acid. 

   Bio:  

Jin uses his strong scientific background to assist clients with a variety of patent and other intellectual property needs. With a Ph.D. in organic chemistry as well as prior experience as a research scientist for pharmaceutical companies, he possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the science behind his clients’ innovations. Jin has represented clients in proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and International Trade Commission. He advises clients on drug development strategies and abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) processes.

Jin has led numerous IP due diligence investigations for organizations, including biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, in multimillion-dollar mergers and acquisition transactions. Jin has experience analyzing all relevant drug substance facts, including route of synthesis, formulation, polymorphs and treatment regimen.

He handles all stages of the patent process, from planning the appropriate filing strategy to prosecuting patent infringement issues. Jin has rendered legal opinions on patent infringement and validity relating to cytotoxic molecules, synthesis and methods of treating various types of cancer. He has prosecuted various patent applications related to therapeutic molecules, chemical compositions, biotech processes, fermentation and diet supplements.

Co-leader of the firm’s China IP initiative, Jin applies his in-depth knowledge of the Chinese economy and intellectual property landscape to serve clients that operate in or have IP interests in China and the U.S.

 Bio:  

Mark Tang is a managing director of a healthcare private equity venture capital firm with offices in Asia and New York. Mark has over two decades of experience in the field of biotechnology as an entrepreneur, educator, advisor, and investor.  He previously worked for investment bank PaineWebber/UBS and Morgan Stanley/Dean Witter. He was formerly a research associate at Rockefeller University and a biotech director at Rutgers Business School.  Mark attended the University of California, NYU and Harvard. 

  Bio:  

Pharma BDs play critical roles in Pharma and Biotech’s business. Their roles are typically focused on building collaborations including in-licensing and out-licensing, co-development and so on. There are hard skills and soft skills required to be a competent BD. Solid training and working experience in life sciences or medical sciences are essential for a high-level BD. But how to transform from a scientist to a BD? Linda Zhao would like to share with the audience her experience on this topic. Linda has 13 years of hands-on research experience at Roche, NJ R&D center; more than 10 years of BD experience including pharma service BD, and pharma corporate BD.