Billionaire Profile
Lee Sang-hoon
Global Rank
#2964

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Lee Sang-hoon

CEO, Biotech
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.275B
Estimated based on Biotech stock value as of April 21, 2026
-2.35% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Biotech
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Lee Sang-hoon is a South Korean business executive and biologist, best known as the founder, chairman, CEO, and Chief Research Officer of ABL Bio, a biotech company specializing in bispecific antibodies. Born in January 1963, Lee has a current estimated net worth of $1.6 billion as of 2024. His wealth stems from his pioneering work in biotechnology, particularly the development of treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Lee's career includes significant roles at companies such as AstraZeneca, Genentech, and Exelixis, as well as co-founding PharmAbcine. He earned a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from Ohio State University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School and Stanford. Lee became a billionaire in 2025 after ABL Bio signed a licensing and research deal with Eli Lilly.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Lee Sang-hoon was born in South Korea in January 1963. He pursued his passion for biology, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master's degree in developmental biology from Seoul National University between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, he completed a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the Ohio State University. Lee furthered his academic journey with postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School, University of California, San Francisco, and Stanford Medical School.

Rise to Success

Lee's career began with research roles at several prominent companies, including AstraZeneca, Genentech, and Exelixis. In 2008, he co-founded PharmAbcine. He then served as head of the biotech division at Hanwha Solutions. A pivotal moment came in 2016 when Lee founded ABL Bio. The company's listing on the KOSDAQ in 2018 marked a significant milestone. Lee achieved billionaire status in 2025 after ABL Bio signed a lucrative licensing and research deal with Eli Lilly.

Key Business Strategies

ABL Bio focuses on developing bispecific antibodies, designed to target two molecules simultaneously for improved treatment outcomes in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The company's strategy involves diversifying its portfolio of bispecific antibody-based treatments. A key deal with Eli Lilly, valued at $2.6 billion, highlights ABL Bio's success in technology transfer and collaborative research.

Philanthropy

Specific philanthropy amounts for Lee Sang-hoon were not found in the search results. However, the search results show that other people with the same name have participated in philanthropy.

Career Milestones

2008

Co-founded PharmAbcine

Lee co-founded PharmAbcine, contributing to antibody therapeutic projects.

2016

Founded ABL Bio

Established ABL Bio, focusing on bispecific antibody-based treatments for cancer and neurodegeneration.

2018

ABL Bio listed on KOSDAQ

ABL Bio went public on the KOSDAQ stock exchange.

2025

Licensing and Research Deal with Eli Lilly

ABL Bio signed a $2.6 billion deal, leading to Lee achieving billionaire status.