Early Life and Education
Michelle Xia, born in China, is the daughter of two university-educated engineers. She earned a degree in biochemistry from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou in 1988. Driven by a passion for science, she pursued further education, obtaining a Ph.D. in molecular biology and microbiology from Newcastle University in the UK. She also completed postdoctoral research training at the University of Glasgow and conducted cancer immune therapy research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in the U.S.
Rise to Success
Xia's career includes significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She held senior leadership roles at Crown Bioscience, where she played a key role in building the company's platform and establishing a joint venture with Pfizer. She also served as a senior scientist and group leader at PDL BioPharma and a senior process development scientist at Bayer Corporation. In 2012, she co-founded Akeso Biopharma, a biotech company focused on developing and commercializing innovative antibody drugs, and has served as its CEO since inception. Akeso went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020.
Key Business Strategies
Akeso, under Xia's leadership, has focused on developing innovative treatments, particularly in the field of oncology. A key strategy has been the development of bispecific antibodies, with drugs like Cadonilimab (PD-1/CTLA-4) and Ivonescimab (VEGF/PD-1) already commercialized in China. Akeso's approach includes a strong emphasis on research and development, as well as collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies, such as the licensing deal with Summit Therapeutics.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropy amounts are unavailable through search, Xia's dedication to healthcare and drug innovation suggests a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Akeso's mission to make therapeutic antibody drugs accessible and affordable to all patients indicates a broader philanthropic goal to contribute to global health.
