Mei-Lang Kung | Pharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mei-Lang Kung | Pharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Senior Assistant Research Fellow | Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital | Taiwan

Dr. Mei-Lang Kung is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in cancer biology, gene engineering, and phytochemical pharmacology. She currently serves as a Senior Assistant Research Fellow at the Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, and an Assistant Professor at Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management. With a strong background in molecular biology and nanomedicine, Dr. Kung has contributed significantly to innovative research in oncology and nanomaterials for medical applications.

Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Strong Academic Background 📚

    • Dr. Mei-Lang Kung holds a Ph.D. in Biological Science from National Sun Yat-sen University (2012).
    • Her dissertation focused on cancer cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a highly relevant area in biomedical research.
  • Extensive Research Expertise 🔬

    • Her work spans multiple interdisciplinary fields, including cancer biology, gene engineering, phytochemical pharmacology, and green nanomaterials.
    • These diverse skill sets enhance the impact of her research in translational medicine.
  • Significant Research Contributions 🏆

    • 21+ peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals (SCI-indexed).
    • Notable research on nanomedicine and cancer treatment strategies, contributing to innovative therapeutic approaches.
    • Demonstrated leadership as a corresponding author in multiple studies, reflecting independent research capability.
  • Recognition & Awards 🥇

    • Best Poster Award (2021) from the Taiwan Urology Association.
    • National Taiwan University System Young Scholars Award (2018) for innovative research.
    • Multiple Outstanding Paper Awards at prestigious conferences (IEEE, New Advance in Medicine, etc.).
    • These accolades highlight her excellence in research and scholarly impact.

Education 🎓

Dr. Kung earned her Ph.D. in Biological Science from National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2012, under the guidance of Prof. Tai Ming-Hong. Her dissertation focused on the mechanisms of hepatoma-derived growth factor-mediated cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. She also holds an M.S. in Biochemistry from Kaohsiung Medical University (2002) and a B.S. in Nutrition from Chung Shan Medical University (2000).

Experience 🌟

Dr. Kung has extensive experience in academia and research. Since 2019, she has been a Senior Assistant Research Fellow at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. She also holds a faculty position at Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management. Previously, she served as an Assistant Faculty member (2017-2019) and a Postdoctoral Research Associate (2012-2017) in the Chemistry Department of National Sun Yat-sen University, working under Dr. Shuchen Hsieh.

Research Interests On Pharmacology 📚

Dr. Kung’s research interests include cancer biology, gene engineering, phytochemical pharmacology, and toxicology. She is particularly focused on the development and applications of green nanomaterials for cancer treatment. Her work explores novel phytochemically derived nanoparticles and their effects on cancer cell adhesion, proliferation, and metastasis.

Awards 🏆

  • 2021: Taiwan Urology Association “Best Academic Activity Award – Best Poster Award”
  • 2018: National Taiwan University System Young Scholars Selection for Innovative Research and Development Achievements – Excellent Work Award
  • 2015: New Advance in Generation Medicine, Cancer and Stem Cell Outstanding Paper Award
  • 2013: IEEE Nanotechnology Materials and Devices Conference, Outstanding Paper Award

Publications 📰

Dr. Kung has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Below are some of her notable works:

  1. Wang, J.-H., Chen, Y.-W., Hsieh, S., & Kung, M.-L.* (2025). “Nanosized ginger-derived phenolic zingerone obstructs cell cycle G2/M progression and initiates apoptosis in human colorectal cancer.” Environmental Toxicology. DOI:10.1002/tox.24470 (SCI; 2023 IF=4.4)
  2. Chu, L.-W., Chen, J.-Y., Chen, Y.-W., Hsieh, S., & Kung, M.-L.* (2024). “Phytoconstituent-derived zingerone nanoparticles disrupt cell adhesion and suppress cell motility in melanoma B16F10 cells.” Journal of Biotechnology. DOI:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.06.015
  3. Kung, M.-L., Cheng, S. M., Wang, Y.-H., et al.* (2024). “Deficiency of RNA adenosine deaminase (ADAR2) ameliorates metabolic-associated fatty liver disease via AMPK signaling pathways in male diet-induced obese mice.” Communications Biology. (SCI; 2022 IF=5.9)
  4. Kung, M.-L., Yang, T.-H., Lin, C.-C., et al.* (2024). “ADAR2 deficiency ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and muscle atrophy through modulating serum amyloid A1.” Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. DOI:10.1002/jcsm.13460 (SCI; 2022 IF=8.9)
  5. Hu, T.-H., Wu, J.-C., Huang, S.-T., et al.* (2023). “HDGF Stimulates Liver Tumorigenesis by Enhancing Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Mitochondria.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. (SCI; 2022 IF=4.8)

Conclusion 📚

Dr. Mei-Lang Kung has made remarkable contributions to cancer research and nanomedicine, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic applications. Her expertise in molecular oncology and green nanotechnology continues to impact the scientific community, making her a leader in the field of biomedical research. Through her innovative work, she strives to advance cancer treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Zhiyang Zack Zou | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhiyang Zack Zou | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics | Research Institute | United States

Dr. Zhiyang Zack Zou, Ph.D., is a distinguished scientist with over 30 years of expertise in drug discovery and development. His contributions span across renowned organizations, including Eli Lilly, Lundbeck USA, and the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI). Specializing in CNS, diabetes, oncology, and infectious diseases, Dr. Zou has successfully completed 20+ preclinical IND studies and has extensive experience in DMPK, bioanalysis, and toxicology. His dedication has earned him multiple awards for his innovative contributions to drug development.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Extensive Experience in Drug Discovery and Development
    • Over 30 years of significant contributions in pharmaceutical R&D, spanning CNS, diabetes, oncology, infectious diseases, and more.
    • Led 20+ preclinical IND studies for FDA filing, with expertise in small molecules, biologics, and regulatory standards.
  • Diverse Skill Set
    • Profound knowledge in DMPK (Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics), Toxicology, Bioanalysis, and Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling.
    • Expert in applying advanced tools like LC-MS/MS, Phoenix WinNonlin, and PBPK modeling for human dose predictions and drug interaction studies.
  • Leadership and Team Contributions
    • Recognized leader with several awards, such as the “Contribution Award GHDDI 2023” and “Breakthrough Award 2022” for work on Covid-19 3CLPro inhibitors.
    • Proven ability to lead large teams (e.g., managing 60+ team members at Sundia Meditech) and develop high-performance research groups.
  • Global Collaborations and Achievements
    • Worked with world-renowned pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Eli Lilly, Neurocrine Biosciences, Lundbeck).
    • Successfully advanced projects from early discovery to clinical stages, contributing to FDA-approved drugs like Orilissa and Indiplon.
  • Academic Excellence
    • Holds a Ph.D. in Clinical/Bioanalytical Chemistry, with additional advanced education in biochemistry and chemistry.
    • Authored and co-authored numerous impactful publications in high-ranking journals, contributing to both applied and theoretical drug development.
  • Patents and Innovations
    • Holder of patents, such as for pharmaceutical compositions targeting coronavirus infections, showcasing innovation in addressing urgent global health challenges.
  • Training and Certification
    • Well-trained in state-of-the-art pharmacological methodologies, ensuring cutting-edge approaches in research.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Clinical/Bioanalytical Chemistry – Cleveland State University/Cleveland Clinic Foundation
  • Master’s in Biochemistry – Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
  • Bachelor’s in Chemistry – Peking University, Beijing, China

Dr. Zou’s academic journey laid the foundation for his groundbreaking research and industry contributions, particularly in bioanalytical chemistry and biochemistry.

Professional Experience 🏢

Head of DMPK and Toxicology, GHDDI (2019–Present):

  • Led breakthrough projects like COVID-19 3CLPro inhibitors and anti-malaria drugs.
  • Recognized with multiple accolades, including “Breakthrough Award 2022”.

Vice President, Sundia Meditech (2015–2019):

  • Directed a team of 60+ scientists, leading multiple preclinical IND filings.

Associate Director, Eli Lilly (2013–2015):

  • Worked on type-2 diabetes drug discovery, specializing in PK/PD modeling and human dose predictions.

Dr. Zou has also contributed to Lundbeck, Neurogen, and Neurocrine Biosciences, showcasing his leadership and innovative strategies in drug metabolism and bioanalysis.

Research Interests On Pharmacology 🔬

Dr. Zou is passionate about:

  • Drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (PK/PD), and toxicology
  • ADME studies and human dose projections
  • Developing solutions for diseases like CNS disorders, oncology, and infectious diseases
  • Modeling and simulation for drug development

Awards 🏆

  • GHDDI Contribution Award (2023)
  • Breakthrough Awards (2020 & 2022) for COVID-19 and malaria research
  • Best Team Awards at Sundia Meditech (2016–2018)
  • Numerous accolades for contributions to IND filings and innovative bioanalysis

Publications 📚

1. Investigation of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of a peptide aldehyde SJA6017 with identifying its hemiacetal, gem-diol, and enol ether

  • Authors: Zou, Z.Z., Han, M.-J.
  • Journal: Journal of Mass Spectrometry
  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 0

2. Enabling a novel solvent method on Albendazole solid dispersion to improve the in vivo bioavailability

  • Authors: Han, M.-J., Zou, Z.Z.
  • Journal: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Year: 2024
  • Citations: 2

Conclusion ✨

Dr. Zhiyang Zack Zou is a visionary leader in pharmaceutical sciences, with profound expertise in drug discovery and development. His illustrious career, filled with significant achievements, continues to inspire advancements in medical research and therapeutic innovations.