NAPPA Announces Initial Advisory Board Members: Closing the Loop from Research to Investment
For a newly established organization, what matters most is not what it says, but rather—who stands behind it.
In the highly specialized and resource-driven biopharmaceutical industry, what truly determines a platform's ceiling is never just a title, but whether scientific capability, industry experience, and capital acumen simultaneously coexist.
NAPPA's goal is not merely to be an information platform, but a cross-border ecosystem connecting Science × Industry × Capital. While we value information, we focus even more on — the insights, resources, and transformation behind that information.
Today, we officially introduce the first members of NAPPA's Advisory Board. These four advisors fundamentally cover the four most critical dimensions of biopharma:
- Science
- Drug R&D
- Industry Translation
- Capital
NAPPA in Action
Science: Connecting Fundamental Research with Application
R&D:A Builder of Global Therapies from Mechanism to Market
R&D:A Builder of Global Therapies from Mechanism to Market
Xumu Zhang, Professor, Dean of Medi-X Institute at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
Professor Xumu Zhang is a distinguished scientist renowned for his pioneering work in asymmetric catalysis and cutting-edge chemistry. With over 400 publications and more than 25,000 citations, he holds over 50 international patents. His significant breakthroughs in chiral ligands and catalytic systems have notably advanced the industrial synthesis of pharmaceutical molecules.
Prior to his role at SUSTech, Professor Zhang held prestigious positions as a Professor at Pennsylvania State University and a Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University. He is recognized as one of the few scientists who possess both top-tier academic influence and exceptional capabilities in industrial translation.
He earned his bachelor's degree from Wuhan University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University.
R&D:A Builder of Global Therapies from Mechanism to Market
R&D:A Builder of Global Therapies from Mechanism to Market
R&D:A Builder of Global Therapies from Mechanism to Market
Dr. Mann Fung is a distinguished leader in drug development, with a career marked by significant contributions to global pharmaceutical innovation. As the former CEO of Tavotek Biotherapeutics, he focused on advancing therapeutics for oncology and autoimmune diseases.
His extensive experience includes serving as Vice President at Johnson & Johnson, where he spearheaded R&D and strategy for oncology innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. During his tenure at J&J headquarters, he led oncology and immunotherapy programs and played a central role in the development of the BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib, which has become a globally recognized targeted therapy.
Dr. Fung also held various senior management positions at Eli Lilly, including Head of Oncology and Severe Disease Products in Japan, demonstrating comprehensive expertise from early-stage R&D through to global commercialization.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Utah and a Master of Health Care Management (MHCM) from Harvard University.
Capital - China: Top VC with Long-Term Judgment
Capital - Cross-Border: Connecting US-China Innovation
Capital - Cross-Border: Connecting US-China Innovation
Qin Chao Lu, Founding Partner & Chairperson,
a highly respected figure in the healthcare investment landscape in China, bringing unparalleled judgment and strategic vision. She is the Founding Partner and Chairperson of Danlu Capital, a firm she established in 2018 to focus on early-stage medical technology investments, now managing approximately 2 billion RMB.
Prior to founding Danlu Capital, Ms. Lu served for nearly 13 years as a Partner at Sequoia Capital China, where she was one of Sequoia's first female global partners. During her tenure, she led investments in numerous industry-leading enterprises such, including Jianfan Biotech, New Industries, and Winner Medical. Many companies within her current investment portfolio have grown to become leaders in their respective niche sectors.
Beyond her investment prowess, Ms. Lu is deeply committed to industry education and ecosystem development, actively promoting the healthcare sector at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. Her significant contributions to the field have been recognized through multiple inclusions in Forbes China's list of Best Female Investors.
Ms. Lu graduated from Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and holds an MBA from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Capital - Cross-Border: Connecting US-China Innovation
Capital - Cross-Border: Connecting US-China Innovation
Capital - Cross-Border: Connecting US-China Innovation
Xin Sylvia He, PhD, Managing Partner, Hyfinity Investments, is a driving force in bridging global innovation with China's vast clinical resources, specializing in bringing groundbreaking scientific advancements to fruition. As the Managing Partner at Hyfinity Investments, she leverages her extensive experience to facilitate the successful translation of innovative projects.
Her distinguished career includes serving as a Senior Partner at CDH Investments, where she led significant investments across biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. During her tenure, she played a key role in guiding numerous companies through successful IPOs or strategic M&A exits.
Before CDH, Dr. He collaborated with HSBC Asia Direct Investments to further explore opportunities in China's healthcare investment sector. Earlier in her career, she founded and served as CEO of a pharmaceutical company operating across both China and the U.S., giving her a unique and complete perspective spanning from entrepreneurial venture creation to seasoned investment strategy.
Dr. He holds a PhD in Immunobiology from Yale University and is an alumna of Princeton University and the University of Science and Technology of China.