New Biotech CEO
Legend Biotech Appoints Former Novartis Executive Ingrid Zhang as Chief Executive Officer
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Key Points
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CARVYKTI generated $1.9 billion in sales last year and more than $1 billion during the first half of 2026, underscoring the commercial importance of the franchise Zhang will oversee.
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Legend develops and sells CARVYKTI with Johnson & Johnson under a 2017 agreement: the companies split profits equally outside China, while Legend retains 70% of profits in China.
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Legend is testing an experimental cell therapy designed to engineer cells inside a patient’s body to fight lymphoma, potentially avoiding the weeks-long manufacturing process required for CARVYKTI; early data showed tumors shrank in all six patients treated at the higher of two doses.
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Zhang said her priorities include advancing Legend’s pipeline, expanding its impact and executing its long-term growth strategy, calling it “a privilege to join Legend Biotech at an important moment in the Company’s growth.”
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Beyond her executive background, Zhang has served on Mettler-Toledo International’s board since February 2023 and holds an MBA in finance and strategy from the Wharton School, a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Penn State and a chemistry bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College.
Legend Biotech appointed Ingrid Zhang as CEO effective September 15, 2026, ending Alan Bash's interim tenure. Reuters reported that Zhang joins from Novartis, where she served as international chief commercial officer and previously led the company's China and innovative-medicines divisions. She takes over after Ying Huang's July resignation and will oversee a company anchored by CARVYKTI, its blockbuster cell therapy that generated $1.9 billion in sales last year.
A Proven Track Record in Pharma Leadership
Zhang brings 20+ years of experience across the pharmaceutical industry. Reuters noted she previously held senior positions at AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and McKinsey. Her roles spanned commercial strategy, regional leadership, and business development — expertise directly relevant to scaling CARVYKTI globally. She also serves on Mettler-Toledo International's board and holds an MBA from Wharton.
CARVYKTI's Massive Sales Momentum Continues
CARVYKTI, Legend's cell therapy for multiple myeloma, posted $1.9 billion in sales during 2025. Reuters reported the franchise generated more than $1 billion in the first half of 2026 alone. Legend develops and sells CARVYKTI with Johnson & Johnson under a 2017 agreement. The companies split profits equally outside China, while Legend keeps 70% of China profits.
Next-Generation Cell Therapies in Development
Legend is testing an experimental cell therapy designed to engineer cells inside a patient's body to fight lymphoma. Reuters noted this approach could avoid the weeks-long manufacturing process CARVYKTI requires. Early data showed tumors shrank in all six patients treated at the higher of two doses tested so far.
Zhang Eyes Growth and Pipeline Expansion
Zhang said her priorities include advancing Legend's pipeline, expanding its impact, and executing long-term growth strategy. She called joining Legend "a privilege at an important moment in the Company's growth." Her appointment follows seven years of leadership under Ying Huang, whose departure prompted the CEO search. Alan Bash will return to his role as president of the CARVYKTI franchise.
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