Strategic new hires deepen commitment to growing partnerships in Greater China
PRINCETON, N.J.— December 1, 2021. Certara, Inc. (Nasdaq: CERT), a global leader in biosimulation, today announced the appointments of Gailing Li, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer, China and Senior Vice President and Jing (Ellen) Zhang as Regulatory Science Business Development Director. These new appointments based in Certara’s Shanghai office will further advance the Company’s global expansion strategy and focus on increasing local support for China-based biopharmaceutical companies.
“I’m thrilled to extend a warm welcome to both Gailing and Ellen,” said Patrick F. Smith, Pharm.D., president of Integrated Drug Development at Certara. “With their extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in China, they will accelerate our momentum to strengthen current client relationships in the region as well as forge new partnerships.”
Dr. Li has more than 25 years of extensive experience leading translational medicine and early- and late-stage clinical development programs in global pharmaceutical companies as well as Chinese biotechnology companies. As a recognized expert in influencing best practices and regulatory policy in the fields of clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics, Dr. Li will lead Certara’s scientific team in China and engage with clients and China’s National Medical Products Administration. Dr. Li previously served as Senior Director, Head of China, Clinical Pharmacology & Pharmacometrics at Johnson & Johnson for more than a decade. She earned her bachelor of science and master’s degrees in chemistry from Peking University, Beijing, where she continued as assistant professor before obtaining her Ph.D. in pharmacology from Leiden University in the Netherlands.
“It is my sincere pleasure to join Certara at this exciting time. The Chinese biopharmaceutical industry is embracing innovation, and biotech investment continues to grow rapidly,” said Dr. Li. “I look forward to enhancing this team’s incredible knowledge and helping to further establish Certara’s leadership in China by expanding our capabilities and offering clients access to our industry leading expertise and technology-driven solutions.”
Ellen Zhang brings more than 15 years of experience in regulatory services, clinical operations, and technology platforms. She has deep expertise in advancing data management and commercial solutions for clinical organizations, large pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies in Greater China. Ms. Zhang has an extensive record building and maintaining relationships with China-based biopharmaceutical clients throughout her career. Previously, Ms. Zhang served as Director, Business Development at Parexel where she was responsible for leading a cross-functional team and deploying strategic account plans. Ms. Zhang holds dual degrees in English and nursing.
“I’m excited to join such a transformative and innovative company as Certara,” said Ms. Zhang. “I cannot wait to collaborate with this strong team to advance Certara’s commercial reach and impact in China and the Asia Pacific region.”
About Certara
Certara accelerates medicines using proprietary biosimulation software and technology to transform traditional drug discovery and development. Its clients include more than 1,650 global biopharmaceutical companies, leading academic institutions, and key regulatory agencies across 61 countries.
Certara Contact
Jieun W. Choe
jieun.choe@certara.com
Media Contact:
Ariane Lovell
Finn Partners
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