Legend Biotech, the New Jersey‑based cell‑therapy company best known for its multiple‑myeloma drug Carvykti, announced on Tuesday that it has named Ingrid Zhang as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Zhang arrives with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience at Novartis, where she most recently served as international chief commercial officer and previously oversaw the Swiss giant’s China business. She also brings prior senior roles at AstraZeneca and Pfizer, giving her a broad perspective on global pharmaceutical markets.
Leadership change aimed at sustaining growth
“It is a privilege to join Legend Biotech at an important moment in the company’s growth,” Zhang said in a statement. The appointment follows the resignation of former CEO Ying Huang in July after a seven‑year tenure. Interim CEO Alan Bash will resume his duties as president of the Carvykti business.
Legend’s shares rose nearly 3 % in pre‑market trading after the news, reflecting investor confidence that Zhang’s commercial expertise will help the company build on the success of Carvykti. The therapy generated roughly $1.9 billion in sales last year and about $1.25 billion in the first half of 2026, underscoring its status as a revenue engine for the firm.
Strategic partnership with Johnson & Johnson
Carvykti is co‑developed with Johnson & Johnson. Under a 2017 partnership agreement, the two companies share profits equally outside of China, while Legend retains a 70 % share of profits earned within China. This arrangement has provided a stable financial foundation for Legend as it pursues additional indications and expands its global footprint.
Pipeline expansion and innovative approaches
Beyond Carvykti, Legend is advancing an experimental in‑vivo cell therapy for lymphoma that could eliminate the lengthy manufacturing process required for conventional CAR‑T treatments. If successful, this approach would simplify production, reduce costs, and broaden patient access to life‑saving therapies.
Legend operates in the United States, China, Belgium, and Ireland, positioning the company to leverage diverse regulatory pathways and market opportunities. The new CEO’s experience leading Novartis’ China business is particularly relevant as Legend seeks to deepen its presence in the world’s largest pharmaceutical market.
Industry context
Novartis, Zhang’s former employer, is currently under pressure from a major shareholder to revamp its board after a series of clinical trial setbacks. While Novartis navigates its own challenges, Zhang’s move to Legend highlights the demand for seasoned executives who can steer biotech firms through rapid growth and complex regulatory environments.
Legend Biotech’s leadership transition signals a clear commitment to sustaining the momentum of its flagship product while accelerating development of next‑generation cell therapies. With a proven track record in global commercial operations, Zhang is positioned to guide the company toward continued innovation and expanded market reach.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
