Zhen Li: From Reluctant Engineer to Pioneering siRNA Innovator at ADARx Pharmaceuticals

In a recent interview with BioSpace, Zhen Li, CEO of ADARx Pharmaceuticals, shared her journey from a rebellious science student to a leader in the burgeoning field of siRNA therapeutics. Li's story underscores the dynamic interplay between scientific innovation and engineering precision in modern biopharma.

A Scientific Rebellion Leads to Biopharma Success

Despite her family's push towards engineering, Li chose to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard. This decision, which she describes as her "biggest rebellion," set the stage for a career that would ultimately blend scientific discovery with engineering rigor.

Li's entry into the pharmaceutical industry came through Merck, where she was captivated by the application of chemistry to human medicine. "When I got to Merck—wow," Li recounted, describing how the experience solidified her commitment to biopharma. "If I still had doubt [about], have I made the right decision to join a pharmaceutical company versus pursuing an academic job? I think a few months into Merck, I was very sure that, yeah, this is where I belong," she said.

ADARx Pharmaceuticals: At the Forefront of RNA Technology

Now at the helm of ADARx Pharmaceuticals, Li is leveraging her expertise in siRNA technology to drive innovation in RNA-based therapeutics. The company's recent success is evident in its oversubscribed $200 million Series C funding round and a significant licensing deal with AbbVie.

ADARx's approach combines RNA editing and siRNA technologies, a strategy Li refers to as "cross fertilization." This innovative approach has attracted substantial investor interest, with the company having to turn down $200 million in additional funding offers during their latest round.

The partnership with AbbVie is particularly noteworthy, as it combines ADARx's RNA expertise with AbbVie's antibody technology and central nervous system focus. Li emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "AbbVie was interested in ADARx for its technology, not just as a one-off asset."

Engineering Precision in Scientific Innovation

Reflecting on her career trajectory, Li noted an unexpected alignment with her engineering roots. "Now more and more, I see my engineering heritage in me. Because to develop good [treatments], then you make it really, really well, right? That's engineering," she explained.

This fusion of scientific creativity and engineering precision is evident in ADARx's approach to drug development. The company is currently advancing its lead asset, ADX-324 for hereditary angioedema, while also maintaining a deep pipeline of early-stage research projects.

As ADARx continues to grow, Li remains committed to a patient-focused approach, echoing the philosophy of Merck's founder, George Merck: "We try to remember that medicine is for the patient. We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits. The profits follow, and if we have remembered that, they have never failed to appear."