Behind every major medical advancement in cancer treatment is a leader who dares to go the extra mile. Jing Ji, the Chief Medical Officer at Abbisko Therapeutics, is one such visionary, revolutionizing the oncology field following her mission to introduce life-saving innovations to medical practice. Over two decades as a healthcare and pharmaceutical industry professional, Jing Ji led Abbisko to establish itself at the forefront of medical innovation, focusing on precision oncology and immuno-oncology.
After joining Abbisko, Jing Ji has become instrumental to the company’s success by transforming the small biotech into an internationally recognized oncology player. By means of her pharmaceutical experience at multinational companies and her deep oncology commitment, Jing Ji has built both an elite medical team and an innovation-driven culture that powers Abbisko’s growth.
Through her career path, Jing Ji has dedicated herself to improving patient wellness and redesigning how health services deliver cancer care. Her work extends beyond medical innovation to deliver new possibilities of hope that reach patients worldwide. Led by her strategic guidance, Jing Ji directs Abbisko’s most advanced drug candidates during vital clinical trials while establishing strategic partnerships that advance the new era of cancer treatment.
Let’s learn how Jing’s leadership is revolutionizing cancer treatment and shaping the future of oncology care!
A Journey of Purpose and Impact
Jing’s path began at the hospital, where she was first trained as a medical doctor. Her journey into the world of healthcare was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients. As a gastroenterologist, she worked closely with patients, diagnosing and treating complex medical conditions. It was through this experience that she began to see firsthand the limitations of existing therapies, particularly in the treatment of chronic and life-threatening diseases like cancer.
“I am a medical doctor by training and previously worked as a gastroenterologist in a hospital for several years,” she explains. During this time, she gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by healthcare providers and patients alike. While she found deep fulfillment in helping patients through direct care, she recognized that to have a broader impact, she would need to contribute to the development of innovative therapies on a larger scale.
Driven by this realization, Jing Ji made a crucial decision to transition into the pharmaceutical industry. Her aim was to have a direct influence on the creation and development of new drugs, especially those targeting diseases with high unmet medical needs, such as cancer. This marked the beginning of a new phase in her career, one that would see her move from patient care to drug development, a shift that would have far-reaching consequences in the field of oncology.
“Before joining the local biotech industry at the end of 2020, I spent 23 years in R&D at top multinational pharmaceutical companies, gaining experience in early to late-stage drug development,” she shares. Her extensive experience working at major multinational companies like MSD, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca helped her hone her skills in drug discovery and clinical development. Throughout her career, Jing Ji had been involved in the development of both oncology and non-oncology drugs, which gave her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.
Her work at these global pharmaceutical giants exposed her to cutting-edge technologies, rigorous clinical trials, and complex regulatory environments. However, it was her transition to China’s growing biotech sector that would become one of the most significant milestones in her career.
A Leap into Biotech
In early 2021, Jing Ji made a bold decision to join Abbisko Therapeutics, a local biotech company publicly listed at HKEX in October 2021 with a vision to revolutionize cancer treatment. At the time, Abbisko was a small firm with a promising portfolio of early-stage drug candidates.
The medical department, led by Jing, consisted of just ten people. Yet, her arrival marked the beginning of a period of rapid growth and transformation for the company. Over the next four years, the team expanded significantly to more than 100 employees, a testament to her leadership and the company’s growing presence in the biotech industry.
When she joined Abbisko, Jing Ji immediately focused on advancing the company’s drug pipeline, with a particular emphasis on oncology. Recognizing the importance of precision medicine and immune oncology, she spearheaded the development of drugs that target the genetic mutations that drive cancer. Her first major success was advancing one of the firm’s compounds, pimicotinib, from a first-in-human trial to a multi-region Phase 3 clinical trial spanning China, the US, Canada, and multiple European countries, a remarkable achievement for a biotech company of Abbisko’s size. Pimicotinib received breakthrough designation from the FDA and from regulatory bodies in China and PRIME ( PRIority MEdicine) from the EU, positioning Abbisko as a serious player in the global oncology space. “One of my major contributions has been advancing pimicotinib from the first-in-human trial to multi-region Phase 3 and now to the NDA stage,” she proudly shares. “Pimicotinib received breakthrough designation from the FDA and China NMPA and priority medicine from the EU. Moreover, the multi-regional Phase 3 trial enrolled a balanced number of Western and Asian patients in a short time frame, and the study results demonstrated excellent efficacy and a favorable safety profile. This achievement is rare for a local biotech company and is something I am very proud of, because it does prove our capability of developing practice-changing therapies to benefit patients from all over the world.”
Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its focus on developing innovative therapies for cancer, with a particular emphasis on precision oncology and immuno-oncology, two cutting-edge fields that have the potential to change the way we treat cancer.
Advancing Precision Oncology
Precision oncology is one of the cornerstones of Abbisko’s drug development strategy. This approach involves identifying specific genetic mutations in cancer cells and developing treatments that target these mutations, thereby offering more effective and personalized therapies for patients.
“Our company primarily focuses on oncology, with two main areas: precision oncology and immuno-oncology,” she explains. One of the key areas of focus within precision oncology is the development of FGFR inhibitors. These inhibitors target the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathway, which is involved in various types of cancer. Abbisko has developed first- and second-generation selective FGFR inhibitors, with a focus on improving efficacy and safety. The company’s third-generation inhibitors are designed to overcome resistance mutations, a crucial challenge in the treatment of cancer. “Our first-generation FGFR inhibitor laid the foundation for targeting the FGFR pathway,” Jing Ji shares. “Our second-generation compound offers a more selective approach, improving both efficacy and safety by minimizing off-target effects. Our third-generation therapies aim to overcome resistance mutations, a crucial advancement in the field.”
One of Abbisko’s lead FGFR inhibitors is irpagratinib, a highly selective and potent FGFR4 inhibitor that targets hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and aggressive form of liver cancer. HCC is especially prevalent in China, accounting for nearly 50% of global cases, and a significant portion of these patients have FGFR4/FGF19 alteration, which can drive the progression of the disease. Irpagratinib is currently undergoing pivotal study in China, and Abbisko is collaborating with the FDA to explore potential development pathways for the U.S. market. “HCC has a high incidence in China, accounting for nearly 50% of the 900,000 global cases, with 30% of these patients harboring FGF19 overexpressions,” she points out. “Irpagratinib is the first selective FGFR4 inhibitor currently in a pivotal study in China, and we are working with the FDA to explore development pathways in the US. So far, no FGFR4 inhibitor has reached the pivotal stage worldwide.”
Through her leadership, the firm is advancing therapies that could provide new treatment options for patients suffering from HCC and other cancers driven by genetic mutations.
Overcoming Challenges in Drug Development
One of the most significant hurdles is the rising cost of research and development. Clinical trials, especially those conducted in multiple regions, are costly and time-consuming. For a company like Abbisko, which is working to expand globally, these costs can be overwhelming. The key to success lies in carefully selecting which compounds to advance and ensuring that each drug candidate has the best chance of success.
“The biggest challenges include rising R&D costs and prioritization of compounds,” she admits. “Developing new drugs is increasingly expensive, especially when conducting simultaneous trials in China, the US, and Europe.”
Another challenge is navigating the complex regulatory environments of different regions. Each country has its own set of regulations and approval processes, which can significantly impact the timeline for drug development. For Abbisko, this means designing clinical trials that can meet the regulatory requirements of multiple regions while also ensuring that the drug is safe and effective for patients.
China’s rapidly evolving regulatory framework has also been instrumental in shaping Abbisko’s development strategy. Under Jing’s leadership, the company has successfully leveraged reforms introduced by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE), including rolling submissions, breakthrough designations, and priority reviews. These reforms, combined with China’s participation in the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), have harmonized local standards with international expectations, allowing Abbisko to accelerate its global development programs. In addition, Shanghai’s supportive ecosystem featuring R&D grants, tax incentives, and intellectual property protection has further fueled innovation and fostered a thriving environment for biotech growth.
“Medical practices vary between China and the US, impacting trial design and regulatory approval pathways,” Jing Ji explains. Despite these obstacles, Abbisko has been successful in advancing its compounds, thanks to strong leadership, regulatory insight, and a strategic approach to global drug development.
A Philosophy of Collaboration and Innovation
Jing’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration. She believes that the success of the firm depends on the collective efforts of its employees, who must work together across departments to achieve common goals. At Abbisko, she emphasizes the importance of breaking down silos between medical, research, clinical operations, and regulatory affairs teams. “Collaboration is at the core of our work,” she says. “I emphasize cross-functional teamwork and breaking down silos between departments.”
Her leadership approach is guided by the principle of “One Team, One Dream,” which reflects her belief in unity of purpose and shared accountability. She encourages her team to maintain open communication and to work cohesively toward common goals. This philosophy has fostered a strong sense of belonging and commitment, helping Abbisko build a culture of innovation that values teamwork and mutual respect.
Her leadership style also emphasizes resilience and a “can-do” attitude. Drug development is never a straightforward process, and setbacks are inevitable. Jing Ji encourages her team to embrace challenges with creativity, persistence, and calculated risk-taking. “Drug development is full of challenges, and I encourage my team to embrace obstacles, think creatively, and take calculated risks,” she shares. This approach has allowed Abbisko to remain agile and responsive in an industry that is constantly changing.
While Jing’s focus lies in late-stage clinical development, she recognizes the increasing role of technology and artificial intelligence in early-stage research. At Abbisko, AI-driven analysis helps researchers identify promising molecular targets and optimize compound design, enhancing the precision and speed of early discovery work. Although AI use in clinical development is still limited, Jing Ji views it as an essential tool for shaping the future of drug innovation.
Another key aspect of her leadership is talent development. Jing Ji acknowledges that finding professionals with global expertise in oncology and regulatory affairs can be challenging, especially in a competitive biotech environment. To overcome this, she focuses on attracting and nurturing high-potential talent while promoting continuous learning and international collaboration. By building a team that blends scientific excellence with a global perspective, she ensures Abbisko remains competitive and forward-looking in the evolving world of oncology research.
Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Innovators
Jing’s advice for aspiring healthcare professionals and industry leaders is grounded in curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. She believes that those entering the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors should be prepared to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, where innovation, strategic thinking, and data-driven decision-making are essential. “My advice is to cultivate curiosity, strong decision-making skills, and adaptability,” she says. “The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are dynamic and require a strategic mindset, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to innovation.”
She also emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. Drug development is a complex and unpredictable field, and challenges are inevitable. Jing Ji encourages emerging leaders to view obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth. “Resilience is crucial to navigating industry challenges successfully,” she explains. “Those who persevere despite difficulties will ultimately make the greatest impact in improving patient care and advancing science.”
Finally, Jing Ji stresses the value of collaboration and global thinking. She advises future healthcare innovators to build strong networks, seek mentorship, and embrace teamwork across cultures and disciplines. By combining technical expertise with interpersonal skills and a global perspective, she believes the next generation of leaders can create meaningful change and drive the development of therapies that transform patient outcomes worldwide.
Shaping the Future of Cancer Care
As Abbisko continues to advance its groundbreaking therapies, Jing’s impact is already being felt in the oncology community. Through her leadership, Abbisko is pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients who previously had limited options. The company’s innovative approach to precision oncology and immuno-oncology is paving the way for the next generation of cancer treatments, and Jing Ji is at the heart of this transformative work.
With her deep expertise, visionary leadership, and steady commitment to patient care, Jing Ji is not only shaping the future of Abbisko but also helping to shape the future of cancer treatment on a global scale.
