James Li, M.D.

James joined Frazier Life Sciences as a Venture Partner in 2024, bringing over 30 years of biotech expertise in investing, company building, and general management, with a strong focus on cross-border opportunities.

As co-founder and former CEO of JW Therapeutics (February 2016 to July 2024), James built a fully integrated, commercial-stage cell therapy company from the ground up. He led the development and launch of China’s first domestically developed CAR-T therapy, raised over $520 million, and took the company public in 2020.

Prior to JW Therapeutics, James served as Vice President and founding General Manager of Greater China at Amgen, where he expanded the company’s presence and improved patient access to its vital medicines in China.

Earlier in his career, James was a Partner in the life sciences practice at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, where he invested in and guided early- and growth-stage companies, including one that went public in 2010.

James spent over 15 years at Merck & Co., Inc., holding leadership roles in clinical research, regulatory affairs, product development, and franchise management across the U.S. and Asia Pacific. He played a key role in obtaining regulatory approvals for Merck’s vaccines in the Asia Pacific region, establishing Merck’s medical operations in China, and growing the company’s largest franchise in Asia.

James holds an M.D. from Shanghai Medical University and an M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Montana.