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Michelle Xia becomes a billionaire after beating Merck

Xia's Akeso drug outperformed Merck's Keytruda, significantly increasing its stock.

July 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM

How This New Biotech Billionaire Outmaneuvered Merck In China

Michelle Xia leads Akeso, a biotech firm that outperformed Merck's drug in clinical trials.

Michelle Xia becomes a billionaire after beating Merck in cancer drug trial

Michelle Xia has gained significant recognition as the CEO of Akeso after her company’s lung cancer drug outperformed Merck’s Keytruda in clinical trials. This success has led to a surge in Akeso’s stock price, making Xia a billionaire. After spending years in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, Xia returned to China to launch her own biotech company. Akeso’s approach focuses on combining different treatment methods, which experts note is often overlooked. Xia aims to broaden the company’s research into treating various diseases as their success continues.

Key Takeaways

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Michelle Xia’s Akeso outperformed Merck’s Keytruda in trials.

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Xia's recent success made her a billionaire.

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Akeso focuses on innovative drug combinations.

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Chinese biotech is rapidly growing and evolving.

"We focus on science and biology and the most advanced technology."

Xia explains the core philosophy driving Akeso's success.

"Michelle wasn’t afraid to try that. She is confident in her own scientific judgement."

Robert Booth underscores Xia's innovative approach in drug development.

The rise of Michelle Xia and Akeso reflects a notable shift in the global biotech landscape. As Chinese firms gain ground in innovation and drug development, they challenge established Western companies. Xia's success story highlights how experienced professionals returning to their home countries can drive significant advancements. The implications for global healthcare are profound, as competition intensifies and prices may adjust due to increased options for treatment.