Chaofeng Liu
Founder of ACME Data Analysis and Services, LLC
Chaofeng Liu’s career in biostatistics and pharmaceuticals is a testament to his relentless curiosity and desire to bridge the gap between data and its application in improving human health. Born and raised in Beijing, China, his early interest in patterns, logic, and mathematical structures set him on a path that would ultimately take him to the forefront of pharmaceutical research. He began his academic journey at Peking University, earning his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Probability and Statistics.
While at Peking University, Chaofeng exhibited an exceptional ability to lead and collaborate, taking on numerous leadership positions within the academic community. His hard work and dedication were recognized early, as he received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Outstanding Student Fellowship and Young Scientist Award. These early recognitions fueled his determination to pursue a career that would merge his passion for statistics with his interest in medicine.
After completing his studies in China, Chaofeng expanded his horizons by moving to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Biostatistics at UCLA. He further strengthened his expertise by earning an Executive MBA from Purdue University. This combination of rigorous technical training and business acumen gave him the tools he needed to navigate the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry.
A Career Dedicated to Science and Healthcare
Chaofeng Liu’s career has been characterized by his ability to blend scientific inquiry with practical application in healthcare. For over 22 years, he has worked in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on clinical development across various therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, oncology, and beyond. His expertise spans the entire drug development lifecycle, from initial research through clinical trials and regulatory approval.
Chaofeng’s journey in the pharmaceutical industry began at Eli Lilly, where he quickly made a name for himself as a skilled leader and innovator. As his career progressed, he took on key roles at renowned global organizations like Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, PAREXEL, and Astellas Pharmaceuticals. In each of these roles, he demonstrated a unique ability to lead cross-functional teams while maintaining a strong focus on the scientific integrity of the process.
One of Chaofeng's most significant achievements was his leadership role at Astellas, where he played a pivotal part in developing Gilteritinib, a groundbreaking treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). His leadership in taking the drug through various clinical trials and securing its Accelerated Approval and eventual full approval by the FDA, PMDA, and EMA marked a significant milestone in his career. This achievement exemplifies his ability to combine scientific rigor with a practical understanding of the business side of drug development.
Innovation in Biostatistics
Chaofeng Liu’s approach to biostatistics has always been centered around innovation. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of introducing new statistical methodologies that have helped streamline the drug development process. One of his significant contributions has been the development of adaptive trial designs, which allow for real-time adjustments to clinical trials based on emerging data. These adaptive designs have proven invaluable in accelerating drug development while ensuring scientific trials remain scientifically sound.
At Astellas, Chaofeng led a team that developed adaptive trial designs for seamless phase I/II and phase II/III trial structures. This work helped to expedite the development of new treatments, making the process more efficient and responsive to patient needs. His contributions to biostatistics have been widely recognized, and his work continues to be cited by researchers and practitioners.
Building Teams and Mentoring Future Leaders
Beyond his technical achievements, Chaofeng Liu is known for his commitment to building strong teams and fostering a culture of innovation. As vice president of Biometrics and Data Management at EpimAb Biotherapeutics, he established the department from the ground up. He recruited talented individuals, developed organizational structures, and implemented systems to support the company’s growing clinical pipeline. His leadership helped create an environment where scientific rigor and innovation could thrive simultaneously.
As the founder of ACME Data Analysis and Services, LLC, Chaofeng now provides consulting services to biotech companies such as Immunocore, Kyverna, Fate, BlueSphere, and CareDx. His work involves tackling complex statistical issues in clinical trials and working closely with regulatory agencies, particularly oncology. Through his consulting work, he continues to influence the future of clinical research, helping companies navigate drug development challenges.
Commitment to Education and the Statistical Community
Throughout his career, Chaofeng has remained deeply connected to academia. He has been an adjunct professor in the Department of Statistics at Purdue University for over ten years, teaching and mentoring students. His ability to bring real-world experience into the classroom has made him an invaluable resource for students seeking to understand how statistics is applied in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
Chaofeng has also been an active participant in professional organizations. He served as President and Program Chair of the ASA Northern Indiana Chapter and has organized and led numerous conferences and technical sessions. His dedication to the statistical community has helped create a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, which continues to benefit his colleagues in the field.
A Humble Leader with a Legacy of Excellence
Despite his many accomplishments, Chaofeng Liu is known for his humility and unassuming demeanor. He does not seek the spotlight for his many awards, including the Astellas President Award and numerous industry honors for his work in oncology drug development. Instead, he focuses on doing his job with integrity, patience, and a deep respect for the scientific process. He is not driven by accolades but by a genuine desire to contribute to the betterment of healthcare through his expertise in biostatistics.
Continued Dedication to the Field
As Chaofeng Liu celebrates his 60th birthday, he remains as committed as ever to advancing the field of biostatistics and clinical research. He continues to mentor younger statisticians, support emerging biotech companies, and improve the methodologies used in clinical trials. Though quiet and often behind the scenes, his work has left a lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry, and his legacy continues to shape the future of drug development.
While at Peking University, Chaofeng exhibited an exceptional ability to lead and collaborate, taking on numerous leadership positions within the academic community. His hard work and dedication were recognized early, as he received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Outstanding Student Fellowship and Young Scientist Award. These early recognitions fueled his determination to pursue a career that would merge his passion for statistics with his interest in medicine.
After completing his studies in China, Chaofeng expanded his horizons by moving to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Biostatistics at UCLA. He further strengthened his expertise by earning an Executive MBA from Purdue University. This combination of rigorous technical training and business acumen gave him the tools he needed to navigate the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry.
A Career Dedicated to Science and Healthcare
Chaofeng Liu’s career has been characterized by his ability to blend scientific inquiry with practical application in healthcare. For over 22 years, he has worked in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on clinical development across various therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, oncology, and beyond. His expertise spans the entire drug development lifecycle, from initial research through clinical trials and regulatory approval.
Chaofeng’s journey in the pharmaceutical industry began at Eli Lilly, where he quickly made a name for himself as a skilled leader and innovator. As his career progressed, he took on key roles at renowned global organizations like Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, PAREXEL, and Astellas Pharmaceuticals. In each of these roles, he demonstrated a unique ability to lead cross-functional teams while maintaining a strong focus on the scientific integrity of the process.
One of Chaofeng's most significant achievements was his leadership role at Astellas, where he played a pivotal part in developing Gilteritinib, a groundbreaking treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). His leadership in taking the drug through various clinical trials and securing its Accelerated Approval and eventual full approval by the FDA, PMDA, and EMA marked a significant milestone in his career. This achievement exemplifies his ability to combine scientific rigor with a practical understanding of the business side of drug development.
Innovation in Biostatistics
Chaofeng Liu’s approach to biostatistics has always been centered around innovation. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of introducing new statistical methodologies that have helped streamline the drug development process. One of his significant contributions has been the development of adaptive trial designs, which allow for real-time adjustments to clinical trials based on emerging data. These adaptive designs have proven invaluable in accelerating drug development while ensuring scientific trials remain scientifically sound.
At Astellas, Chaofeng led a team that developed adaptive trial designs for seamless phase I/II and phase II/III trial structures. This work helped to expedite the development of new treatments, making the process more efficient and responsive to patient needs. His contributions to biostatistics have been widely recognized, and his work continues to be cited by researchers and practitioners.
Building Teams and Mentoring Future Leaders
Beyond his technical achievements, Chaofeng Liu is known for his commitment to building strong teams and fostering a culture of innovation. As vice president of Biometrics and Data Management at EpimAb Biotherapeutics, he established the department from the ground up. He recruited talented individuals, developed organizational structures, and implemented systems to support the company’s growing clinical pipeline. His leadership helped create an environment where scientific rigor and innovation could thrive simultaneously.
As the founder of ACME Data Analysis and Services, LLC, Chaofeng now provides consulting services to biotech companies such as Immunocore, Kyverna, Fate, BlueSphere, and CareDx. His work involves tackling complex statistical issues in clinical trials and working closely with regulatory agencies, particularly oncology. Through his consulting work, he continues to influence the future of clinical research, helping companies navigate drug development challenges.
Commitment to Education and the Statistical Community
Throughout his career, Chaofeng has remained deeply connected to academia. He has been an adjunct professor in the Department of Statistics at Purdue University for over ten years, teaching and mentoring students. His ability to bring real-world experience into the classroom has made him an invaluable resource for students seeking to understand how statistics is applied in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
Chaofeng has also been an active participant in professional organizations. He served as President and Program Chair of the ASA Northern Indiana Chapter and has organized and led numerous conferences and technical sessions. His dedication to the statistical community has helped create a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, which continues to benefit his colleagues in the field.
A Humble Leader with a Legacy of Excellence
Despite his many accomplishments, Chaofeng Liu is known for his humility and unassuming demeanor. He does not seek the spotlight for his many awards, including the Astellas President Award and numerous industry honors for his work in oncology drug development. Instead, he focuses on doing his job with integrity, patience, and a deep respect for the scientific process. He is not driven by accolades but by a genuine desire to contribute to the betterment of healthcare through his expertise in biostatistics.
Continued Dedication to the Field
As Chaofeng Liu celebrates his 60th birthday, he remains as committed as ever to advancing the field of biostatistics and clinical research. He continues to mentor younger statisticians, support emerging biotech companies, and improve the methodologies used in clinical trials. Though quiet and often behind the scenes, his work has left a lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry, and his legacy continues to shape the future of drug development.
