shanton

Our Story

Shanton Pharma is a clinical-stage biotech company founded in 2016, with a research focus on the unmet needs associated with gout, hyperuricemia, and pruritus. Our team focuses its resources on these important therapeutic areas through advanced and innovative drug research and developmental approaches.

The Shanton team has researched hyperuricemia and gout for many years, resulting in the development of our lead product, SAP-001 for the treatment of refractory and/or tophaceous gout and the prevention of asymptomatic hyperuricemia developing into gout. SAP-001 has been shown in clinical studies to be safe and effective in patients with symptomatic hyperuricemia and gout. SAP-001 is a convenient oral monotherapy that can bring blood uric acid below 3 mg/dL, and by reducing the dose, maintain uric acid levels between 3-5 mg/dL for a long period of time, dissolving tophi and preventing crystals from forming again.

Our Leadership

Bing Li, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Li carries more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, and is highly regarded as a strong business leader with extensive experience in creating/turning around businesses in pharma and biotech industries.

Dr. Li’s previous positions include the founding CEO of LianBio (Nasdaq: LIAN), CEO of China Biologic Products (Nasdaq: CBPO), leader of Fosun global healthcare investment teams, leader of Warburg Pincus pharma/biotech practice in China, and management positions at GSK China and Eli Lilly.

Dr. Li received a Ph.D. in Biology from University of Rochester, an M.B.A. from Kellogg Management School and B.S. from Fudan University.

Pieter de Ridder, MBA

VP of Business Development

Pieter de Ridder is an experienced business development executive with a track record in the international biopharma industry. He has worked for global pharma (Organon, Diosynth) as well as high-growth emerging biotech companies (Synthon) in roles of increasing responsibility. He has negotiated dozens of deals for biotechs with large and midsized pharma, planned impactful product launches, and managed successful alliances. As the founder of a management consultancy, he assisted life sciences startups by writing impactful business plans and negotiating their first deals.

Mr. De Ridder earned his bachelor’s degree from Avans Hogeschool in Breda, the Netherlands, and an executive MBA from Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business in Durham, NC.

Koji Matsuyama, Ph.D.

President

Dr. Matsuyama is the Founder of Shanton Pharma and has been engaged in researching and developing innovative drugs in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 20 years.

Dr. Matsuyama received a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Tokyo.

Qian Zhang

Project Manager

Qian Zhang is the Project Manager of Shanton Pharma and has been engaged in preclinical and non-clinical coordination management, research and development of innovative drugs in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 14 years.

Celina Cabale-Scholl, Ph.D.

VP of Clinical Operations

Celina Cabale-Scholl has over 18 years of industry experience in both small and large companies. Her experience spans infectious disease, rare disease, CNS/neurology and cardiometabolic therapeutic areas.

Ms. Cabale-Scholl came from other biopharma companies such as Novartis, Vertex and Ovid with experience in Development and Operations, which included Project Team representation for Clinical, and oversight of multiple clinical and functional vendors.

Ms. Cabale-Scholl received a doctorate degree from MGHIHP.

Andrew Whelton, MD

Dr. Andrew Whelton is Professor of Medicine (Adjunct), also ex-Director of the Division of Nephrology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has over 50 years of pharmaceutical experience and focuses on Clinical Drug Development and Safety. He is a Special Government Officer, Consultant to the Food and Drug Administration and Member, ad hoc, of the Arthritis Advisory Committee Food and Drug Administration, appointed by Federal Government since the 1990s.

Dr. Whelton is also an expert in the field of renal and cardiovascular disease. He has authored over one hundred and eighty scientific articles, book chapters and reviews on the topics of renal disease, cardiovascular, hyperuricemia and gout. He was also appointed as Chairman of Maryland Commission on Kidney Disease.

N.Lawrence Edwards,MD,MACP,MACR

Dr. N. Lawrence Edwards is Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, as well as Program Director and Vice Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He is the Chairman and CEO of the Gout Education Society, a non-profit, patient education organization, for the past 14 years (www.gouteducation.org). Dr. Edwards is an active member of many professional organizations including the American College of Rheumatology, American College of Physicians, the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine and is the Past-President of the National Society of Clinical Rheumatologists.

Dr. Edwards obtained his undergraduate training at the University of Notre Dame and his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He has authored over one hundred and fifty scientific articles, book chapters and reviews on the topics of hyperuricemia, gout, and purine metabolism.

William B. White, MD

Dr. William White is Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology in the Calhoun Cardiology Center at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine where he has worked for 40 years. In addition, Dr. White is the founder and former Medical Director of the Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington.

Dr. White graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Chemistry and obtained his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia. He is the author of over 475 articles and book chapters, mainly in the field of cardiovascular medicine and therapeutics.

Robert Segal, M.D., FACP

Global Medical Lead-Consultant

Dr. Robert Segal is Board Certified Internist/ Nephrologist with more than 20 years of broad experience in drug/device development, global clinical research, regulatory strategy/authority interaction, government funding and scientific affairs. He is thorough familiarity with aspects related to intellectual property and orphan drug/fast track applications. He has received Federal and Biodefense funding and contracts, including five NIH SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) grants/contracts worth around $10 Million.

Dr. Segal holds an active MD license in Pennsylvania and previously got licensed in Maryland, California, the UK and South Africa.

Our Story

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Our Impact