I-Mab, a U.S.-based, global biotech company focused on the development of highly differentiated immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, has appointed Sean (Xi-Yong) Fu, PhD, MBA as its permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective November 1, 2024.
 
Fu has served as Interim CEO since July 15, 2024. He will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of I-Mab.
 
“Sean’s appointment serves as a significant step towards further realizing I-Mab’s mission of delivering transformative therapies to patients worldwide. He has embraced his role as Interim CEO and quickly proven to be a strategic and effective leader”, said Mr. Wei Fu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of I-Mab. “Sean’s broad experience across all aspects of biopharmaceutical product development, partnering transactions, organizational leadership, and his track record as an innovative entrepreneur make him the right choice to lead I-Mab.”
 
“During the last several months, I have seen the I-Mab team’s passion and dedication to advancing our differentiated portfolio of immunotherapies for cancer. I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to continue to lead I-Mab as we advance our three clinical programs towards important upcoming milestones and further develop our strategy,” said Dr. Fu. “I look forward to working with our talented team at I-Mab and collaborating with the Board of Directors, leadership team, and partners as we work to realize the full potential of our promising portfolio and bring new therapies to cancer patients.”

Experience 

Fu has over 20 years of industry experience in the life sciences industry, leading and developing clinical-stage assets. Most recently, he served as the Operating Partner of ABio-X, an incubation platform for life sciences companies.
 
Before joining ABio-X, Fu was co-founder and CEO of RVAC Medicines (RVAC), an mRNA platform company. Prior to founding RVAC, he was Group VP and head of International R&D for Luye Pharma Group, overseeing organizations in Boston, Princeton, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. He was also the CEO of GeneLeap, a Luye subsidiary company focused on DNA and RNA therapeutics. Previously, Fu worked at Merck & Co. (Merck) for 15 years, with responsibilities covering R&D, business development, finance, and operational management. His work at Merck included management of the finances for the late-stage clinical portfolio and leading the integration of the global R&D network following the landmark $42 billion merger between Merck and Schering-Plough Corporation.
 
Fu earned a PhD in materials science and engineering from the Ohio State University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.