I-Mab, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with presence in China and the US, has announced the appointment of Raj Kannan as the company's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of the board of directors. This appointment serves as a significant step towards further realising I-Mab's mission of delivering transformative therapies to patients worldwide.

Kannan has over 30 years of industry experience in creating and developing global specialty medicine franchises as a biotech CEO. He has successfully led blockbuster product launches across several therapeutic areas including oncology both in the US and globally.

More recently, as the Chief Executive Officer of Aerie Pharmaceuticals, and before that of Chiasma Pharmaceuticals, he delivered significant value to shareholders exiting both companies successfully while increasing the potential reach of approved and candidate medicines. 

Kannan joins the company at a critical juncture to strengthen its strategic position as a US-based global company. He is a distinguished leader with the global experience and vision to drive sustainable growth and realise the full potential of the company's differentiated oncology portfolio as it moves into the next phase of growth and innovation.

Dr Andrew Zhu, who had served as acting Chief Executive Officer of the company since September 2022 will continue to lead the company's R&D as President of I-Mab and serve as a member of the board of directors.