Principal Scientist
Merck & Co., Inc.
Fengqiang Wang, Ph.D., is currently a Principal Scientist in Biologics AR&D of Merck Research Laboratories (MRL). He started at Merck in 2011 as a senior scientist working on biochemical characterization of biologics and biosimilars using a variety of analytical tools and then a major part of his work focused on the development of process-specific and platform host cell protein (HCP) assays to support biologics HCP process clearance characterization and DS release testing. He has successfully developed and transferred process-specific HCP assays for marketed products including Keytruda, Zinplava, and Ilumya. In addition to the support on HCP assay development and HCP characterization, he has also been actively involded in CMC discussions and regulatory filings. In recent years, he has focused more on the overall HCP control strategy across different modalities with experience supporting HCP characterization and control in both biocatalytic process small molecule drugs and and live virus vaccines besides the support on biologics development. He has authored/co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications including industry best practices after joining Merck and presented at many national and international conferences including CASSS CMC Strategy Forum, AAPS PharmSci360, BEBPA HCP conference, and Bioprocessing Summit. He is also a member of USP HCP Expert Panel.