Early Life and Education
Lee Sang-hoon was born in South Korea in 1963. From 1982 to 1989, he pursued his studies at Seoul National University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science followed by a Master's degree in developmental biology. He furthered his education by completing a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Ohio State University in 1994. He also completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School, the University of California, San Francisco, and Stanford Medical School.
Rise to Success
Lee's career began with research positions at prominent companies in the biotech industry, including AstraZeneca, Genentech, and Exelixis. In 2008, he co-founded PharmAbcine, playing a key role in research and development for antibody therapeutic projects. He also served as the head of the bio division at Hanwha Chemical. In 2016, Lee founded ABL Bio, which became a significant venture. ABL Bio's listing on the KOSDAQ in 2018 marked a major milestone.
Key Business Strategies
ABL Bio focuses on developing bispecific antibodies that target two molecules simultaneously. This approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. ABL Bio's strategy involves a diverse portfolio of bispecific antibody-based treatments. A significant achievement includes the 2025 technology-transfer deal with Eli Lilly, valued at $2.6 billion, related to ABL Bio's Grabody-B blood-brain-barrier-penetrating bispecific antibody technology.
Philanthropy
While specific details about his philanthropic activities are not readily available, Lee's commitment to innovation in biotechnology suggests a broader vision for improving health outcomes.
