Michelle Xia is an expert in antibody drug discovery and development. Dr. Xia founded Akeso Biopahrma in 2012, one of the most promising biopharmaceutical companies in China. Currently she serves as the Chairwoman, President and CEO of Akeso, the company that introduced first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, ivonescimab which has been boldly compared to one of the best-selling immune checkpoint inhibitors – Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in a phase III clinical study (HARMONi-2/AK112-303) for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with reported improved progression free survival.
Prior to founding Akeso Biopharma, she held management roles at PDL Biopharma, Bayer, Crown Bioscience and other pharmaceutical companies, and conducted the cancer immune therapy research at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in the U.S. She has chosen to return to her home country where she could build a much needed infrastructure for better access to care and innovative therapies. For her exceptional leadership and vision she has been recognized with over a dozen respected honors in China and abroad.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
