MERIT Executive Spotlight is a series featuring management team members introducing themselves and explaining why they chose to work in the clinical trials industry and at MERIT.
Dr. Huang leads MERIT’s China team as General manager, providing measurable strategies and objectives for continuous commercial growth and scientific advancement in clinical endpoint management.
What is your background?
With over 25 years of experience in R&D and clinical trials within both biotech and leading pharmaceutical organizations, I’ve taken responsibility for innovative Multi-Regional Clinical Trials (MRCT) from the Investigational New Drug (IND) stage to the New Drug Application (NDA) filing.
Before joining the clinical trial industry, I was a consultant physician and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Zhejiang University affiliated hospital.
What sets MERIT apart?
MERIT has distinctive brand value positioning in the China market which is made possible through the hard work of our experienced team as well as collaboration with our clients. We offer comprehensive Independent Reading Center (IRC) services in various therapeutic areas. We pride ourselves on providing the highest price-quality contribution to our partners and stakeholders.
How do you see your position/department fitting into the company as a whole?
As General Manager, I’m responsible for global strategy alignment and localization execution for MERIT’s China team. Collaboration between business development, project management, and imaging quality control is crucial to our effective partnerships with Sponsors and CROs. I work to cultivate a company culture that engenders respect in the profession, enlightens colleagues, and places an emphasis on Sponsor achievements. The secret to MERIT’s success is our unique mission and long-term dedication.
Why did you get into clinical research?
I was a clinical doctor of internal medicine at Zhejiang University Hospital for about 15 years. In addition to teaching and clinical work, research was a big part of my role.
After entering the pharmaceutical industry in 2015, I engaged with different stakeholders in the field of clinical research and drug development. I was honored to take part in several innovative first-in-class drug development programs during their pivotal stages.
Throughout my career in healthcare, I have focused on the Hippocratic Oath, making it my mission to improve the health quality of human life.
What do you do in your free time?
Reading and writing are some of my favorite pastimes. I often post commentary articles on WeChat. I had a personal collection of poems published in 2012 when I was still a consultant physician at university hospital.
I also enjoy traveling with friends on long holidays. There is a Chinese proverb that says, “read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles.”
