OncoBillionaires of 2025: The Titans Behind the Cancer Revolution

In the high-stakes world of oncology, where the cost of developing a single drug can exceed $2 billion and nine out of ten candidates fail in clinical trials, there exists a rare breed of individuals who are not only beating the odds—but changing the game entirely. These are the OncoBillionaires—a global cohort of visionary founders, CEOs, scientists, and investors whose fortunes are deeply intertwined with the fight against cancer.

This exclusive list of 26 individuals, all featured on the 2025 Forbes Billionaires List, represents a powerful intersection of wealth, innovation, and impact. From the labs of BioNTech and Moderna to the pharmaceutical powerhouses of India and China, these billionaires have driven the development and distribution of some of the most revolutionary oncology drugs of our time—Abraxane, Imbruvica, mRNA cancer vaccines, and affordable generics that have reshaped global access to cancer care.

Many are founders of biotech giants or owners of companies that manufacture or supply cutting-edge cancer therapies. Others have established foundations and research initiatives that fuel progress in rare cancers, personalized medicine, and immunotherapy.

This article dives into the stories, companies, and scientific contributions of these OncoBillionaires—while offering insights into their global distribution and the industries where medicine meets market power.

Dilip Shanghvi

$24.9 Billion, India

Dilip Shanghvi is the founder of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India’s largest drug manufacturer and one of the world’s top generic pharmaceutical companies. Under his leadership, Sun Pharma has steadily expanded its oncology footprint, particularly through the development and acquisition of targeted therapies.

In early 2024, Sun Pharma announced the acquisition of Checkpoint Therapeutics for approximately $355 million. This deal significantly enhances Sun Pharma’s oncology pipeline by adding cosibelimab, a PD-L1 inhibitor under review by the U.S. FDA for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)—a type of non-melanoma skin cancer. Cosibelimab is not yet FDA-approved but is expected to be a competitive entrant in the immuno-oncology space.

This move aligns with Shanghvi’s long-term strategy to evolve Sun Pharma from a generics leader into a global specialty and innovative therapies powerhouse, with oncology as a key focus area. The company already markets several cancer drugs and biosimilars globally and has established a strong presence in emerging markets. Shanghvi’s vision and strategic direction have transformed Sun Pharma into a global pharmaceutical giant with a market capitalization exceeding $44 billion, and a growing reputation for innovation in cancer care. His efforts continue to shape the accessibility and development of oncology treatments worldwide.

Cyrus Poonawalla

$23.1 Billion, India

Cyrus Poonawalla is the founder and chairman of the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally. While his core contributions lie in immunization against infectious diseases, his connection to oncology comes through the production of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) — an immunotherapy used in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

BCG is administered intravesically and remains one of the most effective treatments to prevent recurrence and progression of early-stage bladder cancer. Serum Institute is a major global supplier of this essential therapy, helping address periodic shortages worldwide.

Beyond oncology, Poonawalla’s impact on public health is immense. Under his leadership, SII manufactures over 1.5 billion vaccine doses annually, providing affordable vaccines for polio, measles, diphtheria, COVID-19, and more — across more than 170 countries. His work has earned international recognition, including the ICMR Lifetime Achievement Medal, and accolades from institutions like Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Poonawalla’s legacy is rooted in democratizing access to life-saving vaccines, including cancer immunotherapies, making him a vital figure in both global health and oncology support infrastructure.

Robert Duggan

$12 Billion, United States

Robert Duggan is a visionary biotechnology entrepreneur best known for transforming Pharmacyclics into a major player in oncology with the development of Imbruvica (ibrutinib), one of the most successful cancer drugs of the past decade. Imbruvica is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor used to treat various B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Duggan joined the board of Pharmacyclics in 2004 and became CEO in 2008. He led the company through a dramatic turnaround, culminating in a strategic collaboration with Johnson & Johnson to co-develop and market Imbruvica. In 2015, AbbVie acquired Pharmacyclics for $21 billion, one of the largest biotech deals ever, largely due to the commercial potential of Imbruvica.

Since then, Duggan has continued investing in next-generation cancer therapies. He currently serves as CEO of Summit Therapeutics, focusing on oncology and infectious diseases. Duggan also leads Duggan Investments, a private investment firm supporting innovation in life sciences.

His visionary leadership and commitment to disruptive cancer therapies have made Duggan a defining figure in the oncology biotech space.

Ernesto Bertarelli

$11.5 Billion, Switzerland

Ernesto Bertarelli supports cancer research through the Bertarelli Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Dona Bertarelli. The foundation has made significant contributions to oncology by establishing the Bertarelli Rare Cancers Fund at Harvard Medical School. This fund provides $15 million to support research projects focused on rare cancers, which collectively account for about one-quarter of all cancers and cancer deaths in the U.S. The fund aims to advance the understanding, treatment, and care of these understudied malignancies by building research capacity and fostering cross-institutional collaboration.

Bertarelli’s philanthropic efforts have been instrumental in accelerating transformative research in rare cancers. The foundation’s support enables researchers to tackle complex questions in the field, develop new approaches, and strengthen the foundation for drug development. By funding projects across basic, translational, and clinical science, the Bertarelli Foundation helps bridge the gap in rare cancer research, which often lacks the critical mass of researchers and resources compared to more common cancers. This initiative not only benefits patients with rare cancers but also contributes to broader scientific insights that can impact more common diseases.

Thomas and Andreas Struengmann

$11.3 Billion, Germany

Andreas and Thomas Struengmann are German billionaire twins renowned for their investments in the biotechnology sector, particularly in cancer therapies. Their connection to oncology is primarily through their investments in companies like BioNTech and 4SC. BioNTech, where they hold a significant stake, has been pioneering mRNA-based cancer therapies, aiming to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This innovative approach offers promising new directions in cancer treatment.

The Struengmanns also hold a majority stake in 4SC, a German biotech firm focused on cancer treatments. Their investments in these companies reflect their commitment to advancing cancer research and developing novel therapies. Beyond oncology, their investments in biotech have reshaped their fortune, with a focus on supporting innovative medical solutions. The brothers’ legacy in healthcare extends beyond their financial success, as they continue to foster advancements in life sciences through strategic investments and philanthropic efforts, such as establishing the Ernst Strungmann Institute for neuroscience research. Their vision for transformative medical innovations has been instrumental in shaping the biotech landscape, particularly in Germany.

Sulaiman Al Habib

$10.9 Billion, Saudi Arabia

Sulaiman Al Habib is the founder and chairman of Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East. His connection to oncology is through the group’s hospitals, which offer comprehensive oncology care services. Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group operates several hospitals and medical centers across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, providing specialized cancer treatment facilities.

The group’s oncology departments are equipped to handle various types of cancer, offering diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care services. These facilities are staffed by experienced oncologists and support staff, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. Al Habib’s investments in healthcare infrastructure have significantly expanded access to cancer treatment in the region, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for thousands of patients.

Al Habib’s leadership in healthcare extends beyond oncology, with a focus on developing comprehensive medical services across multiple specialties. His vision for healthcare expansion includes significant investments in new projects, aiming to increase the group’s capacity and reach in the Middle East. Through his work, Sulaiman Al Habib has become a prominent figure in regional healthcare development, enhancing cancer care options and overall medical services.

Zhong Huijuan

$10.5 Billion, China

Zhong Huijuan is the founder, chairperson, and CEO of Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group, one of China’s most prominent biopharmaceutical companies. While Hansoh is best known for its central nervous system and anti-infective therapies, the company has made strategic advances in oncology, establishing a growing footprint in China’s cancer drug market.

Hansoh’s oncology pipeline includes tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and chemotherapy agents targeting high-burden diseases such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and hematologic malignancies. Among its notable assets is Ametinib, a TKI for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which has received regulatory approval in China. The company continues to invest in research and clinical trials to bring more targeted therapies to market.

Zhong led Hansoh through a landmark IPO in 2019 on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising over $1 billion and marking one of the region’s largest pharma listings. Her leadership has fueled significant R&D expansion, especially in oncology, immunology, and novel drug platforms.

A former high school chemistry teacher, Zhong has become one of the most successful self-made women in biotechnology. Her ability to navigate the scientific, business, and regulatory challenges of pharma has made her a trailblazer in China’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape and a rising force in oncology drug development.

Sun Piaoyang

$9.5 Billion, China

Sun Piaoyang is the chairman of Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine, one of China’s largest and most innovative pharmaceutical companies, with a growing global reputation in oncology. Under his leadership, Hengrui transformed from a regional generic drug manufacturer into a research-driven company with a robust oncology pipeline and international ambitions.

A major breakthrough came with the development and approval of Apatinib, a first-in-class VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor for advanced gastric cancer, approved in China in 2014. The drug positioned Hengrui as a domestic leader in targeted cancer therapies. Since then, the company has expanded its oncology portfolio to include chemotherapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and novel targeted agents across multiple tumor types such as lung, breast, and liver cancer.

Hengrui now operates clinical trials globally and is pursuing regulatory approvals from the U.S. FDA, EMA, and other international bodies. The company has also built advanced R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, with a strong focus on biosimilars and biologics.

Sun’s long-term strategy emphasizes innovation, affordability, and international growth, aligning with China’s broader efforts to become a global pharmaceutical powerhouse. His vision and leadership have positioned Hengrui as a key player in reshaping the future of cancer treatment both in China and worldwide.

Murali Divi

$9.1 Billion, India

Murali Divi is the founder and managing director of Divi’s Laboratories, one of the world’s leading producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). While the company does not manufacture finished oncology drugs, it plays a pivotal role in the global cancer treatment ecosystem by supplying high-quality APIs used in chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies, and supportive oncology drugs.

Founded in 1990, Divi’s Laboratories has built a reputation for excellence in large-scale, cost-effective production of complex molecules, including those critical to cancer care. The company supplies APIs to many of the world’s top pharmaceutical and biotech firms, which depend on Divi’s manufacturing infrastructure to produce affordable and effective oncology medicines.

Divi’s operations are fully compliant with stringent international regulations, holding certifications from the U.S. FDA, EMA, and PMDA, among others. Its facilities span hundreds of acres in India, serving over 100 countries and delivering APIs for a wide range of oncology indications, including breast, lung, prostate, and blood cancers.

Murali Divi’s strategy combines scientific expertise with operational efficiency to create a dependable backbone for cancer drug development. His work ensures that life-saving therapies can be produced at scale and delivered to patients globally, making him an essential, though often behind-the-scenes, contributor to global oncology care.

Ronda Stryker

$8.6 Billion, Unaited States

Ronda Stryker is a director at Stryker Corporation, a leading medical technology company founded by her grandfather, Dr. Homer Stryker. While Stryker Corporation is not primarily focused on oncology drugs, it does supply medical equipment that supports cancer care. Ronda Stryker’s role as a director involves overseeing the company’s strategic direction, ensuring that its products, including those used in oncology-related procedures, meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.

Stryker Corporation’s portfolio includes medical devices and equipment used in various healthcare settings, including surgical oncology. These tools help healthcare professionals provide effective care to cancer patients, though they are not specific oncology drugs. Ronda Stryker’s contributions to healthcare are also evident through her philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and social responsibility. She serves on the Harvard Medical School Board of Fellows and is a trustee at Spelman College, reflecting her commitment to advancing healthcare and education.

Ronda Stryker’s leadership and influence in the healthcare industry are significant, though her direct involvement in oncology is more about supporting the broader healthcare infrastructure rather than developing specific cancer treatments. Her legacy as part of the Stryker family continues to shape the medical technology landscape.

Patrick Soon-Shiong

$5.9 Billion, United States

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is a physician, surgeon, and biotechnology entrepreneur best known for developing Abraxane, a nanoparticle albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel that revolutionized chemotherapy delivery. Approved by the FDA for breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers, Abraxane offered improved efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to traditional formulations, marking a major breakthrough in oncology.

Beyond Abraxane, Soon-Shiong’s contributions to cancer care extend into cutting-edge immunotherapy and personalized medicine. He is the founder of ImmunityBio and NantKwest (merged in 2022), companies focused on novel immunotherapeutic approaches using natural killer (NK) cells, T cell memory, and personalized cancer vaccines. ImmunityBio is conducting late-stage trials in a range of cancers, including bladder, pancreatic, and non-small cell lung cancers, with a strong emphasis on combining cell therapy with checkpoint inhibitors.

Soon-Shiong envisions a future where genomics, AI, and immune system activation converge to create a holistic cancer treatment paradigm. He has published over 100 scientific papers and holds more than 230 patents worldwide.

His work aims not only to cure cancer but to redesign the healthcare delivery model through data integration, precision diagnostics, and real-time patient monitoring. Soon-Shiong remains one of the most visionary figures shaping the future of oncology and biomedical innovation.

Ugur Sahin

$4.3 Billion, Germany

Ugur Sahin is the co-founder and CEO of BioNTech, a biotechnology company renowned for its groundbreaking work in mRNA therapeutics. While BioNTech became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, its original mission has always centered on developing personalized cancer immunotherapies—a vision Sahin has championed for over two decades.

A trained physician and immunologist, Sahin has led BioNTech in building a deep oncology pipeline that includes individualized mRNA cancer vaccines, CAR-T cell therapies, and checkpoint inhibitors. These therapies aim to harness and direct the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells based on unique tumor-specific mutations. BioNTech’s oncology candidates target a wide range of solid tumors, including melanoma, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer, many of which are in advanced clinical trials across Europe and North America.

In 2023, Sahin signed a landmark agreement with the UK government to deliver up to 10,000 personalized cancer vaccine treatments by 2030, accelerating BioNTech’s R&D footprint globally. He is also integrating AI-driven drug discovery and biomarker diagnostics into BioNTech’s platform, aiming to radically transform how cancer is detected, prevented, and treated.

Sahin’s leadership continues to position BioNTech as a frontrunner in the next generation of precision oncology.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

$3.1 Billion, India

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the founder and executive chairperson of Biocon, one of India’s leading biopharmaceutical companies and a global pioneer in biosimilars. With a background in fermentation science and brewing, she transformed Biocon from an industrial enzymes company into a powerhouse in affordable biologics, particularly in oncology.

Under her leadership, Biocon has built a strong oncology portfolio focused on accessible cancer care. A landmark achievement is BIOMAb-EGFR, India’s first indigenously developed monoclonal antibody for head and neck cancer. The company also produces biosimilars for trastuzumab (for HER2-positive breast cancer) and bevacizumab (for colorectal and other solid tumors) in collaboration with global firms like Sandoz and Mylan. These products have been approved in multiple markets, including the U.S. and Europe.

Mazumdar-Shaw has been a tireless advocate for health equity, particularly in making advanced cancer therapies affordable for underserved populations. Her vision is to ensure that the latest biologics are not just for the wealthy but accessible to all who need them. Her work has earned her recognition from TIME, Forbes, and Scientific American, and she continues to be a global voice for innovation with impact.

Through Biocon and her philanthropic efforts, she is reshaping cancer care in the developing world.

Yusuf Hamied

$2.8 Billion, India

Yusuf Hamied is the non-executive chairman of Cipla, one of India’s most respected and influential pharmaceutical companies. A Cambridge-educated chemist and visionary business leader, Hamied is globally renowned for his pioneering efforts to make essential medicines—including cancer treatments—affordable for patients in low- and middle-income countries.

In 2012, Hamied shocked the pharmaceutical world by drastically reducing the prices of several high-cost cancer drugs in India—by up to 75%. This included treatments for lung, brain, and kidney cancers, effectively democratizing access for thousands of patients who previously could not afford them. His actions challenged global pricing norms and prompted broader conversations about the ethics of drug affordability.

Hamied’s legacy also includes Cipla’s landmark role in the HIV/AIDS crisis, where he led efforts to supply antiretroviral therapy at a fraction of Western prices—saving millions of lives, particularly in Africa. In oncology, Cipla continues to produce a wide range of generic and biosimilar cancer therapies, helping strengthen access in underserved markets.

Often described as a “modern-day Robin Hood” of medicine, Hamied remains a vocal advocate for healthcare equity. His impact on public health—especially in oncology and infectious diseases—has reshaped the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Leonard Schleifer

$2.6 Billion, United States

Leonard Schleifer is the co-founder, president, and CEO of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a U.S.-based biotechnology powerhouse recognized for its innovative research and scientific rigor. While Regeneron is widely known for therapies in ophthalmology, immunology, and infectious diseases, the company has also made significant strides in oncology under Schleifer’s leadership.

One of Regeneron’s notable oncology contributions is ZALTRAP® (ziv-aflibercept), a VEGF inhibitor used for metastatic colorectal cancer. Additionally, Regeneron has an expanding oncology pipeline, including immuno-oncology agents such as Libtayo® (cemiplimab), a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor approved for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. These advancements are driven by Regeneron’s proprietary VelociSuite® technologies, co-developed with George Yancopoulos.

Schleifer, a trained neurologist and Harvard Medical School alumnus, co-founded Regeneron in 1988 with a focus on translating scientific discovery into life-changing therapies. Under his leadership, the company has grown into one of the most respected biotech firms globally, consistently ranked among the most innovative in the industry.

While oncology represents just one part of Regeneron’s broader portfolio, Schleifer’s emphasis on precision science and long-term R&D investment has positioned the company to play an increasingly important role in the future of cancer care.

George Yancopoulos

$1.6 Billion, Unaited States

George Yancopoulos is a renowned biomedical scientist and co-founder of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where he serves as president and chief scientific officer. His connection to oncology is through the development of cancer treatments, notably ZALTRAP (VEGF Trap-Onc), which is used in treating colorectal cancer. This drug utilizes Regeneron’s proprietary Trap technology to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Yancopoulos has been instrumental in developing Regeneron’s foundational technologies, including the VelociGene and VelocImmune platforms. These technologies have enabled the creation of fully human monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial in cancer immunotherapy. His work has led to the development of several FDA-approved drugs, with ZALTRAP being a key example of Regeneron’s contributions to oncology. Yancopoulos’s leadership and innovative approach have positioned Regeneron as a leading biotech company, with significant contributions to both basic science and drug development. His research and inventions have been recognized globally, making him a prominent figure in the field of biomedical science and cancer treatment.

Stéphane Bancel

$1.5 Billion France

Stéphane Bancel is the CEO of Moderna, a biotechnology company renowned for its mRNA technology. His connection to oncology is through Moderna’s development of mRNA-based cancer vaccines. These vaccines aim to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, offering a promising new direction in cancer treatment. Moderna’s mRNA platform has the potential to transform the therapeutic landscape for cancer by enabling personalized and targeted therapies.

Bancel’s leadership at Moderna has been instrumental in advancing the company’s pipeline, which includes several cancer-related projects. His vision for Moderna involves leveraging its mRNA technology to address various diseases, including cancer, by creating novel medicines that can change the treatment landscape. As a partner at Flagship Pioneering, Bancel is also involved in fostering innovation across the biotech industry, which includes supporting companies focused on cancer therapies.

Under Bancel’s guidance, Moderna continues to explore the potential of mRNA technology in oncology, positioning the company as a leader in innovative cancer treatments. His commitment to healthcare innovation has been recognized globally, particularly through Moderna’s contributions to vaccine development and its potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. make it fully corect but each one not longer than 200 words

John Oyler

$1.5 Billion, United States

John Oyler is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BeiGene, a global biotechnology company pioneering innovative and accessible cancer therapies. Established in 2010 with scientist Xiaodong Wang, BeiGene was built with a vision to disrupt the traditional biopharma model by combining cutting-edge science with a globally integrated clinical and manufacturing infrastructure, especially anchored in China.

Under Oyler’s leadership, BeiGene has developed a robust oncology pipeline, highlighted by BRUKINSA® (zanubrutinib), a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor approved in the U.S., EU, and China for various B-cell malignancies, including mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The company has also advanced tislelizumab, a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, into multiple global Phase 3 trials for solid tumors and hematologic cancers.

BeiGene operates in over 30 countries, runs one of the world’s largest oncology clinical trial programs, and collaborates with major players like Novartis and Amgen. Oyler’s experience—ranging from leading Genta Incorporated to navigating the biotech landscape in China—has uniquely positioned him to champion a globally affordable model for cancer innovation.

Oyler continues to lead BeiGene with a commitment to democratizing access to advanced therapies, aiming to redefine how cancer care is delivered across both developed and emerging markets.

G.V. Prasad

$1.5 Billion, India

G.V. Prasad is the Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a global pharmaceutical powerhouse based in India. A chemical engineer by training, Prasad has been instrumental in transforming Dr. Reddy’s into a world leader in affordable, high-quality generics, including a strong emphasis on oncology.

Under his leadership, the company has developed an extensive portfolio of oncology active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), finished formulations, and biosimilars, targeting a wide spectrum of cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, colorectal cancer, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Dr. Reddy’s has also moved into the field of immuno-oncology through strategic licensing. In 2023, it launched Toripalimab (Zytorvi) in India, a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, via a partnership with Shanghai Junshi Biosciences.

Prasad’s approach blends affordability with innovation, ensuring life-saving cancer therapies reach underserved populations while adhering to international regulatory standards. The company holds approvals from the USFDA, EMA, and other major global health authorities, reflecting its stringent quality benchmarks.

Beyond business, Prasad emphasizes sustainability and inclusive growth, leading the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. His leadership has cemented Dr. Reddy’s global reputation as a trusted provider of accessible cancer treatments.

Satish Reddy

$1.5 Billion, India

Satish Reddy is the Chairman of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, one of India’s most influential pharmaceutical companies. Sharing executive leadership with co-chairman G.V. Prasad, Reddy has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s expansion, particularly in oncology, where Dr. Reddy’s has become a key global supplier of generic and biosimilar cancer drugs.

Under his leadership, the company has developed and launched a wide portfolio of oncology APIs and formulations, addressing cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, and hematologic malignancies. Dr. Reddy’s is known for its robust capabilities in generic drug development, making complex cancer treatments more affordable and accessible across India, Russia, Latin America, and other emerging markets.

Beyond business strategy, Satish Reddy has been a leading voice in India’s pharmaceutical policy landscape, advocating for equitable drug pricing and stronger domestic R&D ecosystems. He has served as President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance and actively contributes to discussions on healthcare reform and intellectual property rights.

Reddy also leads Dr. Reddy’s Foundation, the CSR arm of the company, which promotes healthcare access, education, and skill-building in underserved communities. His leadership bridges commercial success with a strong commitment to social impact and global health equity in cancer care.

Mori Arkin

$1.4 Billion, Israel

Mori Arkin is one of Israel’s most prominent pharmaceutical entrepreneurs and life sciences investors, with a steadily growing impact on the oncology sector through his investment firm, Arkin Holdings. While not a scientist or drug developer by training, Arkin plays a critical role in advancing cancer innovation by funding and guiding early- to mid-stage biotech companies.

His portfolio includes notable oncology-focused firms such as Kahr Medical, which develops immuno-oncology fusion proteins; Karyopharm Therapeutics, a developer of nuclear transport inhibitors like selinexor for multiple myeloma; and Prolor Biotech, which works on long-acting therapeutic proteins. In 2011, Arkin invested in Metallo Therapy Ltd., which focused on metal-based anticancer agents—reflecting his willingness to fund bold scientific ideas in cancer treatment.

Through Arkin Bio Ventures, the biotech investment arm of Arkin Holdings, he manages a healthcare portfolio exceeding $1.5 billion, with multiple oncology assets in clinical development. These companies often pursue immunotherapies, targeted biologics, or novel delivery platforms for hard-to-treat cancers.

Arkin initially built his fortune by founding Agis Industries, a generic drug manufacturer later sold to Perrigo. His current focus is on catalyzing next-generation cancer research through capital, mentorship, and international partnerships, making him a quiet force behind the scenes of global oncology innovation.

Randal J. Kirk

Estimated Net Worth: ~$1.4 Billion, United States

Randal J. Kirk is a pioneering biotech investor and entrepreneur, known for backing transformative technologies in gene and cell therapy, including those with applications in oncology. He is the former chairman and CEO of Intrexon Corporation, later rebranded as Precigen, a company focused on next-generation gene and cell therapies targeting cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases.

Under Kirk’s leadership, Precigen advanced several cancer immunotherapy programs, including CAR-T therapies and adenoviral vector platforms for solid tumors. One of the company’s lead oncology assets, PRGN-3006, is a CAR-T therapy in clinical trials for acute myeloid leukemia. Another, PRGN-2012, targets HPV-related cancers. Though still in development, these therapies aim to offer safer, more scalable alternatives to traditional CAR-T models.

Kirk built his biotech empire through bold, long-term bets on synthetic biology and precision medicine. Earlier in his career, he founded New River Pharmaceuticals, which developed Vyvanse and sold to Shire for $2.6 billion. He now leads Third Security, his private investment firm funding high-risk, high-reward biotech ventures.

While not yet behind a blockbuster oncology drug, Kirk’s continued support of cancer-focused biotechs places him among the most influential investors in the sector—betting on science that could redefine how cancer is treated in the future.

Noubar Afeyan

$1.2 Billion, United States

Noubar Afeyan is a visionary biotech entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of Moderna and the founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, the venture studio behind more than 100 life science companies. His deep involvement in oncology stems from both Moderna’s mRNA-based cancer programs and numerous cancer-focused startups launched through Flagship.

At Moderna, Afeyan helped drive the development of personalized mRNA cancer vaccines, which work by encoding tumor-specific neoantigens to train the immune system to attack cancer cells. In collaboration with Merck, Moderna’s personalized cancer vaccine (mRNA-4157/V940) is currently in Phase 2 trials for melanoma and is being evaluated for other solid tumors. Early results have shown promise in reducing cancer recurrence when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Through Flagship, Afeyan has also founded or supported oncology-focused companies such as Celsius Therapeutics (focused on reprogramming the tumor microenvironment), Tessera Therapeutics (gene writing), and Generate Biomedicines (AI-driven biologics, including cancer therapeutics).

Afeyan is a strong advocate for early cancer detection, including novel biomarker platforms and microbiome-based interventions. His approach to oncology blends synthetic biology, data science, and immunoengineering, aiming not just to treat cancer—but to prevent, predict, and eventually eliminate it. His influence is reshaping the future of cancer care.

Satish Mehta

$1.2 Billion, India

Satish Mehta is the founder and managing director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company with a growing footprint in oncology. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Pune, Emcure has evolved into a global player with operations in over 70 countries and a strong presence in injectables, biologics, and oral solid dosages.

In oncology, Emcure develops and manufactures chemotherapy drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and targeted therapies. Notably, the company partnered with Roche to manufacture and distribute Herceptin (trastuzumab) and MabThera (rituximab)—two major biologics used in breast cancer and lymphoma—in India at significantly lower costs. These collaborations have enabled broader access to advanced cancer treatments in low- and middle-income markets.

Emcure also joined hands with Sanofi to market Taxotere (docetaxel) and Jevtana (cabazitaxel), expanding its oncology offering to include prostate and breast cancer treatments. Under Mehta’s leadership, the company has built substantial R&D and biologics manufacturing infrastructure, including one of India’s few USFDA-approved biologics facilities.

Mehta’s mission is rooted in healthcare equity, ensuring that even the most advanced therapies reach patients in underserved regions. His strategy of blending innovation, affordability, and global partnerships has positioned Emcure as a key player in democratizing access to cancer care worldwide.

C.C. Paarthipan

Estimated Net Worth: ~$1.1 Billion, India

C.C. Paarthipan is the founder and chairman of Caplin Point Laboratories, an emerging Indian pharmaceutical company making strategic inroads into oncology. While Caplin Point is best known for its injectable and critical care drug portfolios in Latin America and Francophone Africa, Paarthipan has recently steered the company toward building capabilities in oncology manufacturing and R&D.

Caplin Point has announced major investments in establishing a dedicated oncology manufacturing facility in Chennai, India. This expansion will enable the company to produce cytotoxic and targeted cancer therapies, including chemotherapy injectables and oral onco formulations. The project reflects Paarthipan’s ambition to move up the value chain—from generics to complex specialty drugs—while addressing global shortages and cost challenges in cancer care.

Paarthipan, a former income tax officer turned self-made entrepreneur, built Caplin Point from a modest exporter into a billion-dollar enterprise. His business philosophy combines capital efficiency with international market agility, especially in underpenetrated regions with high unmet medical needs.

By entering oncology manufacturing, Paarthipan is aiming to make affordable cancer drugs more globally accessible. His leadership marks a significant contribution to India’s role in the global cancer drug supply chain, with future ambitions to expand into regulated markets like the U.S. and EU.

What’s Next: The Future Vision of the OncoBillionaires

While their past achievements have already reshaped the cancer treatment landscape, the most ambitious work of the OncoBillionaires is still unfolding. United by a deep commitment to eradicating cancer, these individuals are channeling their wealth, influence, and expertise into the next wave of innovation—one that promises to redefine how we understand, treat, and even prevent this complex disease.

Across biotech labs, pharmaceutical boardrooms, and clinical trial networks, they are investing in transformative platforms such as mRNA-based cancer vaccines, cell and gene therapies, immunotherapies, and targeted biologics. Many are backing personalized medicine approaches that tailor treatments to a patient’s genetic profile—paving the way for more effective, less toxic interventions.

Prevention is also a growing focus. Some are expanding vaccine-based strategies to reduce cancer incidence, while others are supporting early detection technologies and global screening programs. Equally vital is their investment in affordability and access—from scaling up biosimilar production to building oncology infrastructure in underserved regions.

In the years ahead, their ambitions go beyond blockbuster drugs. They are working to shift the paradigm—toward a world where cancer becomes not only treatable, but increasingly preventable, personalized, and within reach for all.

Written by Aharon Tsaturyan MD