Chaofeng Liu’s journey into the pharmaceutical industry was rooted in an early fascination with patterns, data, and the underlying logic of the universe. Growing up in Beijing, China, his academic pursuits began at Peking University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Probability and Statistics. At Peking University, he became known for his academic achievements, holding leadership roles and receiving multiple awards for excellence, including the Outstanding Student Fellowship and Young Scientist Awards.
His passion for statistics went beyond theoretical concepts, as he was eager to apply his knowledge to real-world problems. His academic journey took him to the United States, where he completed a Ph.D. in Biostatistics at UCLA. Further enhancing his skill set, he obtained an Executive MBA from Purdue University. These combined qualifications allowed him to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business strategy, setting him on a path to impact healthcare significantly.
Chaofeng’s career, spanning over two decades, has been characterized by his work at the intersection of science, strategy, and patient care. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous therapeutic areas, including neuroscience and oncology, working at every stage of clinical development—from early-stage research to regulatory submissions and final product approvals. His time at Eli Lilly marked the beginning of his career in the pharmaceutical industry, where he became recognized for his leadership and ability to innovate in statistical processes.
As his career advanced, Chaofeng held senior roles in several well-established pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, PAREXEL, and Astellas Pharmaceuticals. He brought a steady leadership style and a deep appreciation for scientific rigor to each role. However, one of the most defining moments of his career occurred at Astellas, where he played a pivotal role in developing Gilteritinib, a first-in-class treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He led the team from the first-in-human trial to FDA approval, and his leadership in the process led to accelerated approval in the FDA, PMDA, and EMA.
Innovation is at the core of Chaofeng’s approach to clinical development. He has long advocated for improving the efficiency of clinical trials and developing adaptive trial designs that maintain scientific integrity while expediting drug development. At Astellas, he led a team that designed adaptive trial structures for seamless phase I/II and phase II/III trials, significantly reducing time to market for life-saving treatments. He has also created novel statistical methodologies, now widely cited in medical journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet Oncology, and Clinical Pharmacokinetics.
In addition to his contributions to drug development, Chaofeng has always focused on mentoring and building teams. As Vice President of Biometrics and Data Management at EpimAb Biotherapeutics, he was instrumental in building the department from the ground up, recruiting talent, and establishing systems that supported the growing clinical pipeline. His leadership extended beyond organizational growth to fostering a culture where innovation and rigor could thrive.
Currently, Chaofeng leads ACME Data Analysis and Services, LLC, where he offers consulting services on clinical trial design and statistical analysis for biotech companies. His clients, including Immunocore, Kyverna, Fate, BlueSphere, and CareDx, rely on his expertise to solve complex statistical challenges, particularly in oncology drug development. He also works closely with regulatory agencies to address statistical issues in clinical trials, ensuring that the drugs meet the stringent standards required for approval.
Chaofeng has maintained a strong connection to academia despite his success in the industry. For over a decade, he has served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Statistics at Purdue University, where he brings real-world knowledge into the classroom. He mentors students, helping them understand how statistical theories apply in clinical settings. His commitment to the larger statistical community is evident in his involvement with professional organizations, such as his tenure as President and Program Chair of the ASA Northern Indiana Chapter. He has actively organized conferences and technical sessions, ensuring that the next generation of statisticians can access valuable learning opportunities.
What sets Chaofeng apart is not just his technical expertise but his humble approach to success. Despite his impressive career, numerous awards, and recognition in the field, he remains approachable and focused on doing the right thing. His humility and dedication to integrity make him a respected figure among his peers. Whether solving a challenging statistical problem or mentoring a young scientist, he is known for his patient, thoughtful approach.
As he celebrates his 60th birthday, Chaofeng proudly reflects on his life’s work but remains as focused as ever on his mission. He continues to deepen his understanding of statistical methodologies, supports start-up biotech companies, and trains young statisticians. From his home in West Lafayette, Indiana, he continues to influence the field of clinical research, making a lasting impact without seeking recognition.
Chaofeng Liu’s career exemplifies the power of combining technical expertise with a genuine commitment to improving human health. His journey has been one of constant learning, innovation, and mentorship, and his work will continue to shape the future of clinical research and biostatistics for years to come.
