YENG JENG SHAW

I am an innovative medicinal chemist with nearly 20 years of experience in early drug discovery, lead optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration across various therapeutic areas including oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases. My expertise lies in structure-based drug design, ADMET optimization, and small molecule development, with a strong track record in AI-driven drug discovery.

In my recent role as Director of Medicinal Chemistry at TaiGen Biotechnology, I led identification efforts for the DPP1 inhibitor program, successfully advancing hit compounds into lead optimization for the treatment of bronchiectasis. I spearheaded the TAK1 hit-to-lead efforts, identifying potent and selective TAK1 inhibitors for autoimmune diseases. My collaborative approach has fostered cross-functional teamwork, mentoring scientists, and contributing to patent and IP strategy discussions.

Previously, as an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Arizona, I co-invented pan-CLK/pan-DYRK inhibitors, contributing to $4M in venture funding for Branch Therapeutics. I managed collaborations to advance multi-targeted kinase inhibitor drug discovery in oncology and mentored junior chemists in medicinal chemistry and synthetic methodologies. My commitment to advancing drug discovery is evident in my leadership in multi-parametric optimization to enhance lead compound potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics.