He worked for Pharmacopeia, Inc. and was sent to China to form a joint business venture on behalf of the company.[7] Inspired by the visit, Li quit the company and co-founded WuXi AppTec with his wife, Ning Zhao,[8] in Shanghai in 2000.[9] In 2016, WuXi AppTec expanded its presence in the United States by opening a new center of excellence in San Diego, California.[10] This facility was designed to enhance WuXi's capabilities in small molecule screening, discovery biology, and process research and development, while also offering Phase I good manufacturing practice (GMP) services. The expansion reflected the company’s strategy to strengthen its global footprint and better serve its North American clients. The company was listed in New York Stock Exchange before going public in Hong Kong in 2018.[11][12]
As of 2022, his net worth stands at $10 billion, making him one of the richest men in China and the United States.[1][14] He is also the second wealthiest American pharmaceutical businessperson as of 2020.[15][16] He is also named one of the top ten Chinese CEOs by ForbesChina.[17]
Philanthropic activities
In 2018, Li and Ning Zhao donated 100 million RMB to Peking University, setting up the Li Ge-Zhao Ning Education Fund of Peking University. They were named the university's honorary trustees.[18]
In 2020, the couple donated $21.5 million to Columbia University to advance research and teaching in chemistry,[19] and the following year, they contributed $20 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to support lung cancer research.[20][21]
Personal life and family
Li was married to Ning Zhao, his classmate at Peking University, a fellow Ph.D. graduate from Columbia University and formerly senior vice president and global head of human resources at WuXi AppTec.[8][22] Zhao died on May 16, 2023, after a 20-year battle with cancer.[23][24]
.jpg)