Yinghua Wang PhD

• RDLT member leading oncology research strategy and execution for first-in-class in vivo cell therapy programs, integrating target validation, platform innovation, translational research, and clinical development planning. • Supervised cross-functional oncology R&D teams advancing multi-lineage CAR-myeloid, CAR-NK, and CAR-T for solid tumors through in vivo HSC-engineering by VLP platform. • Defined development candidate strategy, translational roadmap, indication prioritization, and early clinical entry planning, including non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, etc. • Drove resource allocation, milestone governance, and portfolio prioritization aligned with corporate objectives. • Served as key scientific representative in external collaborations and partnership discussions, contributing to the company’s recent financing round and strategic alliances.

• Led immunology discovery and target validation efforts across autoimmune/inflammatory and oncology programs. • Directed phenotypic and mechanistic evaluation of mRNA/LNP therapeutics in human immune cells and translational in vivo models (humanized mice and NHP). • Advanced an in vivo CD19 CAR program for autoimmune applications spanning rheumatologic and inflammatory indications; explored tolerogenic vaccine for diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. • Established proof of concept for a novel LNP enabling efficient transfection of immune cells, underpinning the panCAR™ platform that led to acquisition by Orna Therapeutics. • Mentored and empowered scientists, fostering a creative, collaborative, and execution-focused team culture.

• Led a 25+ member research organization ($15–20M annual budget) advancing next-Gen. immune cell therapies, integrating armoring strategies with cytokines and immune cell engagers (e.g., TCEs, NKCEs, MCEs) to overcome key limitations and enhance efficacy. • Oversaw an end-to-end preclinical pipeline spanning CAR-T, CAR-NK, and iPSC-derived cell therapies, from target validation and process development through regulatory filing. • Directed site operations including R&D directions, budget and headcount planning and resource management to maximize operational efficiency and research productivity. • Led advancement of multiple programs into IIT and early clinical transition. • Member of the senior management team; key stakeholder in shaping corporate strategy, executive decisions, and external partnerships.

• Established and led a research group developing innovative biologics-based cancer immunotherapies. • Advanced antibody and bispecific programs (TCEs, MCEs, immune modulators) through target validation, cellular pharmacology, and translational biomarker integration. • Served as global program leader, advancing four internal programs through three key milestones, including PCC and IND-enabling stages. • Drove cross-functional collaboration across platform, computational biology, genomics, translational science, CMC, regulatory, and clinical development. • Led scientific due diligence for business development initiatives while expanding academic collaborations through sponsored research and strategic partnerships to support portfolio growth.

• Led a research team advancing biologics discovery programs (mAbs and bispecifics) across autoimmune/inflammatory and oncology indications, including gastroenterology (IBD) and dermatology (psoriasis). • Directed target validation, cellular pharmacology, disease-relevant model development, benchmarking, and mechanistic studies. • Integrated phenotypic characterization, cytokine profiling, and proteomics readouts to support mechanism-of-action and translational confidence. • Mentored junior scientists and postdoctoral fellows while fostering a collaborative and innovative research culture.

•Investigated metabolic regulation in hematopoietic stem cells, hematological cancer and immune cells. •Published a Cell paper uncovering differential metabolic dependency between normal and malignant hematopoiesis. •Identified a potential non-toxic therapeutic strategy for leukemia.

• Postdoctoral training under the mentorship of Dr. David Scadden. • Developed genetically modified mouse models to study metabolism in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. • Established collaborations with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and the Koch Institute For Integrative Cancer Research at MIT.

•Studied regulation of autoreactive B cells and autoantibody response in lupus mouse model. •Published two first author papers (JCI, J. Autoimmunity) and identified novel mechanisms of peripheral immune tolerance. •Revealed a potential new target opportunity for autoimmune disease.

• Cloning, expression and purification of human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). • Characterized structural feature of bacterial hemoglobin Ctb using resonance Raman spectroscopy.

My thesis work identified a novel mechanism of immune tolerance in peripheral lymphoid organ, which advances our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmunity and provides a potential target for treating autoimmune disease, such as lupus.