Professor and Division Chief of Diabetes Division at the University of Texas Health Science Center
Deputy Director of Texas Diabetes Institute
Led the U.S. development of metformin, and FDA approval in 1995
Discovered a new approach to diabetes treatment that targets glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, which led to the development and approval of SGLT-2
Received several prestigious awards, including the Lilly Award (1987) by the American Diabetes Association, Banting Lectureship Award (1988) by the Canadian Diabetes Association, Novartis Award (2003), ADA’s Albert Renold Award (2002), the ADA’s Banting Award (2008), and the Harold Hamm International Prize (2018)
Published over 800 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals
Dr Ji Zhang, Ph.D. in Statistics, previously served as a Senior Vice President of Sanofi Research and Development Operations. He led a global team of more than 4,000 scientists in over 30 countries, and has more than 30 years of experience in innovative drug R&D operations and management in pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Ji Zhang has strategic vision and outstanding operational leadership in clinical development & operations, translational medicine, early development, investment portfolio & project management, digital strategy and implementation. He also has extensive experience in preclinical safety, synthetic and biologic CMC, and medical affairs. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in transformational changes of enterprises, people development and team building, and global/multi-culture versatility. Dr. Ji Zhang has been extensively published in clinical development research areas with more than 100 peer reviewed scientific papers and technical reports, and has played an important leadership roles in the development and marketing of multiple innovative medicines, including Singulair?, Jevtana?, Multaq?, Toujeo?, Soliqua?, Aubagio?, Dupixent?, Praluent?, Kevzara?, Cerdelga?, Sarclisa?, among others. Dr. Ji Zhang has also achieved industry leading achievements in business model innovation, productivity enhancement and quality control.
Dr Paul Chew, M.D., previously served as Senior Vice President, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of US R&D at Sanofi Pharma, responsible for Global Medical Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Health Outcomes, Medical Information, and Regulatory teams of more than 2,000 global staff. Dr Chew participated in the development of multiple commercial products include Plavix?, Taxotere?, Lovenox?, Lantus?, and several other launched products. Dr. Chew has over 30 years of extensive experience in clinical development and internet health in global pharmaceutical companies. Currently, he serves as an advisor for various innovative institutions including Cormedix, Phesi and Aris Global as well as the George Washington University Milken School of Public Health to bring innovation to patients. Dr. Chew is also recognized as an expert with extensive experience in the prevention and management of diabetes and other chronic conditions.