Xianguo Chen | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Xianguo Chen | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Research Excellence Award

Zhejiang University School of Medicine | China

Professor Xianguo Chen is a distinguished thoracic surgeon and senior medical expert at the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, where he serves as Professor and Chief Physician at the Affiliated Jinhua Hospital. With a strong academic foundation, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Zhejiang Medical University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Surgery from Zhejiang University in 2003. Over nearly three decades of clinical and research experience, Professor Chen has established himself as a leading figure in thoracic oncology, pulmonary diseases, and precision cancer therapeutics. His professional journey at Zhejiang University’s Affiliated Jinhua Hospital began in 1996, advancing from Physician to Attending Physician in 2000, Associate Chief Physician in 2006, and Chief Physician in 2011, reflecting his outstanding clinical expertise, leadership, and dedication to patient care. Professor Chen’s research interests lie at the intersection of thoracic surgery, molecular oncology, targeted cancer therapy, and tumor metabolism. He has led several high-impact scientific projects funded by provincial and municipal agencies. These include a major Jinhua Science and Technology Plan project investigating the regulatory effects of acacetin on SMYD2-mediated DNA damage repair inhibition, a provincial health science project exploring the mechanism by which KMT3C mediates osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer through ENO1-driven glycolysis, and an influential study on pulmonary nodule differentiation and lung cancer progression involving metabolomics and fecal microbiota transplantation. His research has made significant contributions to understanding tumor resistance mechanisms, novel biomarkers, and innovative therapeutic strategies for lung cancer. An accomplished scholar, Professor Chen has authored numerous publications in internationally recognized journals. His recent works include studies on miR-1293 and angiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma, carbonic anhydrase 4 as a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC, identification of novel RET fusions and ALK translocations, and advancements in postoperative drainage techniques for lung cancer surgery. As first author, corresponding author, or co-corresponding author, his publications reflect his strong commitment to advancing thoracic oncology research. Beyond clinical and research excellence, Professor Chen plays a vital leadership role in several professional medical organizations. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Thoracic Surgery Branch of the Zhejiang Medical Association, Executive Vice Chairman of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Branch of the Jinhua Medical Association, and holds additional appointments in regional cancer prevention and thoracic surgery committees. Through his multifaceted contributions, Professor Xianguo Chen continues to shape the future of thoracic surgery and lung cancer research in China and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Lou, Y., Xu, B., Huang, K., Li, X., Jin, H., Ding, L., Ning, S., & Chen, X. (2024). Knockdown of miR-1293 attenuates lung adenocarcinoma angiogenesis via Spry4 upregulation-mediated ERK1/2 signaling inhibition. Biochemical Pharmacology, 226, 116414.

Xu, B., Lou, Y., Xu, X., Li, X., Tian, X., Yu, Z., & Chen, X. (2023). Carbonic anhydrase 4 serves as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer: A study based on TGA samples. Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening, 26(14), 2527–2540.

Xu, X., Wang, H., Yu, Z., & Chen, X. (2022). A novel RET fusion in non-small cell lung cancer identified by next-generation sequencing: A case report. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 148(7), 1825–1827.

Chen, X., Xu, B., Fu, F., Cai, K., & Yu, Z. (2021). A novel nonreciprocal/reciprocal ALK translocation causing ALK+ in NSCLC. Lung Cancer, 158, 162–163.

Li, X., Chen, X., He, S., & Chen, H. (2021). The application of pigtail catheters in postoperative drainage of lung cancer. Clinical Lung Cancer, 23(3), e196–e202.

Dengning Xia | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dengning Xia | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Dengning Xia, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Dr. Dengning Xia is an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, China. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics and international training experience in Denmark and the U.S., his research focuses on industrial pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, and biomedical engineering for drug and vaccine delivery. His work explores microneedle systems, nucleic acid and oral delivery, and translational drug formulation. He has received numerous talent awards, serves on editorial boards of leading journals, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers in top-tier pharmaceutical and biomedical journals.

Author Profile

Google  Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dengning Xia’s academic journey reflects a strong and consistent commitment to the pharmaceutical sciences. He began his higher education with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine in 2005. Demonstrating early promise and dedication, he continued his studies with a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics from West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University (2005–2008), a program known for its rigorous training and focus on drug delivery systems. Pushing the boundaries of academic excellence, Dr. Xia earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University (2008–2011). As part of his doctoral training, he participated in a joint research program at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark (2011), gaining valuable international research exposure and advancing his expertise in advanced drug delivery systems. His early academic experiences laid the foundation for a research career focused on innovation in pharmaceutical technologies.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Xia’s professional journey spans globally recognized institutions and industry positions, reflecting his deep-rooted experience across both academic and applied pharmaceutical sciences. Following a brief stint as Formulation Project Leader at Shanghai Haini Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (2011–2012), he moved into academia and research as a Postdoctoral Fellow and later Associate Researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2012–2017). His passion for translational research took him to the United States, where he worked at the University of Connecticut and later as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Scientist at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2017–2020). Since 2020, Dr. Xia has been serving as an Associate Professor (PI) at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, a role he assumed under the prestigious “Hundred Talents Program.”

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xia’s research spans industrial pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, and biomedical engineering, with a consistent focus on overcoming biological barriers in drug and vaccine delivery. His multidisciplinary work has led to impactful contributions in the following areas:

  1. 🧬 Overcoming Biological Barriers in Drug Delivery: He has developed innovative microneedle technologies, gastrointestinal and ocular drug delivery systems, and long-acting formulations that enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

  2. 💉 Vaccine and Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems: Leveraging cutting-edge piezoelectric systems and novel carriers, Dr. Xia is pioneering advancements in gene and vaccine delivery platforms, including low-cost electroporators and skin-based delivery.

  3. 🏥 Clinical Translation: His translational research bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, facilitating the development of scalable pharmaceutical formulations and devices.

With over 40 high-impact publications, including in PNAS, Advanced Functional Materials, Journal of Controlled Release, and Science Robotics, Dr. Xia’s work is globally cited and well-respected.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Xia’s innovative work has earned him numerous awards and prestigious appointments:

  • “Pearl River Talents Program” Young Top-notch Talent – Guangdong Province

  • Pengcheng Peacock Plan – High-level Talent, Shenzhen

  • Outstanding Young Talent – Sanofi-CAS Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences

  • Youth Innovation Promotion Association Member – Chinese Academy of Sciences

He serves on editorial boards for top journals such as the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics and Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and is a trusted peer reviewer for over 10 major journals and national grant programs.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Xia’s work has significantly advanced the field of drug delivery science, particularly through his innovations in microneedle patches, oral and ocular formulations, and nucleic acid therapeutics. His research not only addresses practical clinical challenges but also offers low-cost, accessible solutions for global healthcare, such as vaccine patches for diseases like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola. His collaborative projects with international scientists from the U.S., China, and Europe have amplified his impact, making him a key influencer in pharmaceutical formulation research and a valuable mentor to the next generation of scientists.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Xia’s legacy will likely be defined by his ability to combine academic rigor with real-world solutions. His contributions to microneedle-based technologies and oral delivery systems are poised to transform how vaccines and drugs are administered, especially in low-resource settings. As a principal investigator and educator at Sun Yat-sen University, he continues to mentor emerging scientists, foster international collaborations, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in drug delivery science. With his track record, Dr. Xia is set to play a leading role in the next generation of pharmaceutical innovation, particularly in the realms of biodegradable drug carriers, smart delivery systems, and personalized medicine.

✍️Publication Top Notes

📘Preparation of stable nitrendipine nanosuspensions using the precipitation–ultrasonication method for enhancement of dissolution and oral bioavailability

Author: D Xia, P Quan, H Piao, H Piao, S Sun, Y Yin, F Cui

Journal: European journal of pharmaceutical sciences 

Year: 2010

📘Devices, Systems, and Methods for Facilitating Tissue Delivery of Drug

Author: MS Bhamla, G Byagathvalli, D Xia, MR Prausnitz

Journal: US Patent App

Year: 2023

📘Inflammation-retentive hyaluronic acid-mesalamine conjugate for enhanced oral therapy in ulcerative colitis

Author: Y Hou, J Yao, J Hu, D Xia

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Year: 2025