Biotechnology
10 analytical development experts
These ten professionals have led analytical development in their own roles at pharmaceutical and biotech companies. A reader can learn how drug developers plan analytical method development and validation across the stages of development.
Professionals to explore
01—10Ankur M. Desai
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Analytical Development · Aura Biosciences
Vice President, Analytical Development at Aura Biosciences since 2024. Former Executive Director, Analytical Development at Verve Therapeutics (2022–2024), and Director, Analytical Development (2019–2021) and Senior Director, Analytical Development (2021–2022) at Sarepta Therapeutics. The profile also mentions leading a team of 14 scientists.
Dong Liu
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director of Analytical Development · Kumquat Biosciences Inc.
Sr. Director of Analytical Development at Kumquat Biosciences Inc. since 2025 and former Director of Analytical Development there (2023–2025). The profile describes over 22 years of analytical development and quality control for small molecule and oligonucleotide drug substances and products and authoring and reviewing regulatory dossiers including IND, IMPD, NDA and MAA; it also lists Principal Scientist (Director level), Analytical Development and QC at Pfizer (Arena pharmaceuticals) (2020–2022).
Hongling Han
LinkedInExperience: Executive Director, Head of Analytical Development & QC · PepGen
Executive Director, Head of Analytical Development & QC at PepGen since 2026 and former Senior Director, Head of Analytical Development & QC there (2023–2025). The profile also lists Senior Director, Analytical Chemistry at Mersana Therapeutics (2023) and Associate Director, Analytical Development at Takeda (2019–2023).
Jeff Zhang
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director, Analytical Development · Neumora
Sr. Director, Analytical Development at Neumora since 2024. Former Senior Director, Analytical Chemistry and Drug Product Development (2020–2023) and Interim Head of Pharmaceutical Development (2023–2024) at Elicio Therapeutics; the profile describes analytical method development, qualification, validation and transfer for quality control and stability studies of peptide, oligonucleotide, protein and gene drug substances and drug products.
Kris Wang
LinkedInExperience: Director, Analytical Development · EyePoint
Director, Analytical Development at EyePoint since 2026. Former Associate Director Analytical, Cell Therapy Manufacturing at Takeda (2021–2026) and Associate Director, CMC Analytical at Flexion Therapeutics (2018–2021); the profile describes work in analytical development, method qualification and validation, technology transfer and regulatory filings for drug substance and drug product.
Lijun Duan, Ph.D.
LinkedInExperience: Director of Analytical Development & QC CMC · Kumquat Biosciences Inc.
Director of Analytical Development & QC CMC at Kumquat Biosciences Inc. since 2025, where the profile says the role involves spearheading analytical strategies for oncology drug development with an emphasis on phase-appropriate method development and validation. Former Associate Director of Analytical Development at Bristol Myers Squibb (2024–2025) and Associate Director, CMC Analytical, Tech Operations at Mirati Therapeutics (2021–2024).
Vikas K Sharma
LinkedInExperience: Executive Director and Head, Analytical Development and Quality Control, US · Genentech
Executive Director and Head, Analytical Development and Quality Control, US at Genentech since 2025. At Genentech the profile also lists Ad Interim Head, Analytical Development and Quality Control, US (2024–2025) and Senior Director, Head of Protein Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Development and Quality Control (2020–2024), and it describes 18+ years of biologics CMC experience.
Weijun Li
LinkedInExperience: Director & Head of Analytical Development and Quality Control · Allakos Inc
Former Director & Head of Analytical Development and Quality Control at Allakos Inc (2018–2022), and Senior Director Biologics Analytical Development CMC Team Lead at Exelixis since 2022, where the profile says this person builds and directs the analytical/QC team and develops antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies for cancer therapy. The profile also lists Sr. Staff Development Scientist (Group Head), Analytical Development & Validation at Bayer (2007–2016).
Xinrong Liu, Ph.D.
LinkedInExperience: Director of Analytical Development · Mural Oncology
Former Director of Analytical Development at Mural Oncology (2023–2025) and at Alkermes (2022–2023), and Senior Director of Biologics Analytical Development (formerly RAPT Therapeutics) at GSK since 2025. The profile describes leading CMC analytical development, quality control and regulatory compliance for biologics and cell and gene therapy products, including phase-appropriate analytical strategies, managing CDMOs/CROs and setting up new labs.
Ying Wang
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director, head of analytical development, PDM-CMC · Taiho Oncology, Inc.
Sr. Director, head of analytical development, PDM-CMC at Taiho Oncology, Inc. since 2024. Former Sr. Director, Head of Analytical Development, CMC (2022–2024) and Director, Analytical Development, CMC (2019–2022) at Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US); the profile describes leading analytical and QC activities from pre-IND to NDA/MAA submission and NDA/MAA filing experience for INQOVI.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's modality to yours, since analytical work for small molecules, oligonucleotides, biologics and cell or gene therapies raises different problems. Also consider the stage you are at, from first-in-human to a marketing application, and ask how much of the work the person ran in-house versus through outside labs and manufacturers.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01What does a phase-appropriate analytical strategy look like for a first clinical trial, and what can safely wait until later?
- 02How do you decide which analytical work to keep in-house and which to send to contract labs or manufacturers?
- 03What analytical gaps most often cause trouble during a regulatory filing, and how do you catch them early?
Reaching analytical development experts
How can I contact one of these analytical development experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 9 companies, including Aura Biosciences, Kumquat Biosciences Inc. and PepGen, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach analytical development experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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