Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM

Kefeng Sun, PhD, Associate Scientific Director, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA

What excites you about serving in your role as Cell, Gene, Regenerative Medicine and Nucleic Acid (CGRN) Community Vice Chair?
I am looking forward to connecting regularly with all the CGRN experts across academia, health authorities, and industry.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of two major accomplishments: (1) serving as the sponsor's Clinical Pharmacology lead for an antiviral drug program throughout its regulatory review cycles for worldwide marketing authorization, and (2) co-leading the IQ Consortium New Modality Working Group that eventually published a white paper on gene therapy PK/PD considerations.

What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned the hard way?
One can never ever take “no” for an answer easily!

Who has inspired you in your career?
Two major luminaries stand out as inspirations to me. Nineteenth Century scientist Louis Pasteur and computer magnate Bill Gates have inspired me!

What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
When I transitioned from non-clinical DMPK into Clinical Pharmacology it was a challenge – but it was also the most rewarding career move.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical practice or research that you want to share with fellow members?
This may sound obvious, but here it is: when in doubt ASK the expert(s). Do not work on a tough problem all on your own. One suggestion or recommendation from an expert could save you a day to a month of work.

What was your childhood dream job?
I wanted to be an astronaut!

What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I never ever talk about sports at work, but I am a faithful and avid University of Michigan football fan.

Dr. Sun has been a member of ASCPT since 2021.