Dr. Li-Kang Zhang is a distinguished scientist at Merck, where he leverages over two decades of extensive research and leadership experience in drug discovery and development. As an Experienced Research and Development professional, Dr. Zhang plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative therapies, particularly in...
Dr. Li-Kang Zhang is a distinguished scientist at Merck, where he leverages over two decades of extensive research and leadership experience in drug discovery and development. As an Experienced Research and Development professional, Dr. Zhang plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative therapies, particularly in the oncology and metabolic disease sectors. His current focus includes serving as the MS lead for pivotal studies involving pembrolizumab (MK-3475), a groundbreaking immunotherapy for various cancers. He is instrumental in overseeing the subcutaneous administration studies of pembrolizumab, including the formulation with MK-5180, which aims to enhance patient convenience and treatment adherence.
In addition to his work on pembrolizumab, Dr. Zhang leads efforts on Efinopegdutide (MK-6024), targeting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in collaboration with Hanmi Pharmaceuticals. His expertise in biopharmaceuticals, pharmacodynamics, and bioanalytical chemistry is crucial for the successful IND/BLA filing processes, where he is involved in both authoring and reviewing critical documentation. Dr. Zhang’s proficiency in analytical chemistry and lead optimization further supports his contributions to the development of novel therapeutics.
His academic foundation, with a B.S. from Nanjing University, combined with his hands-on experience in drug development, positions him as a key player in the pharmaceutical landscape. Dr. Zhang's commitment to scientific excellence and innovation continues to drive significant advancements in patient care, making him a respected leader in the field of research and development at Merck.
