BillionaireNet
Sang-hoon
Lee Sang-hoon
Rank #2442
UNITED STATESHealthcareBiotech

Lee Sang-hoon

Net Worth
$1.511B
+2.47% (24h)
Lee Sang-hoon (born January 1963) is a South Korean business executive, the founder, chairman, CEO, and chief research officer of ABL Bio, a biotechnology company. With a background in biology from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University, Lee embarked on a career in biotech. His career includes research leadership roles at AstraZeneca, Genentech, and Exelixis. In 2016, he founded ABL Bio, which develops bispecific antibodies, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In November 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.5 billion, making him a billionaire after ABL Bio's licensing deal with Eli Lilly.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Lee Sang-hoon was born in South Korea in January 1963. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master's degree in biology from Seoul National University between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, he completed a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at Ohio State University. His academic journey also included postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School, the University of California, San Francisco, and Stanford Medical School.

Rise to Success

Lee's career began with research positions at various companies. He co-founded PharmAbcine in 2008 and later served as the head of the biotech division at Hanwha Solutions. In 2016, he founded ABL Bio. The company was listed on the KOSDAQ in 2018. His breakthrough came in 2025 after ABL Bio signed a $2.6 billion licensing and research deal with Eli Lilly for its Grabody-B blood-brain-barrier-penetrating bispecific antibody technology.

Key Business Strategies

ABL Bio focuses on developing bispecific antibodies, which target two molecules simultaneously. This approach aims to enhance treatment outcomes for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. The company's strategic focus on bispecific antibody technology and research has been pivotal to its growth. This focus enabled the deal with Eli Lilly, which propelled Lee into the billionaire ranks.

Philanthropy

Unfortunately, no data could be found related to Lee Sang-hoon's specific philanthropic contributions. Further search is required to discover his philanthropic activities.

Career Timeline

2025

Signed deal with Eli Lilly

Signed a $2.6 billion technology-transfer deal with Eli Lilly related to ABL Bio's Grabody-B blood-brain-barrier-penetrating bispecific antibody technology.

2018

ABL Bio Listed on KOSDAQ

Successfully listed ABL Bio on the Korean stock exchange.

2016

Founded ABL Bio

Established ABL Bio, focusing on bispecific antibody-based treatments for cancer and neurodegeneration.

2008

Co-founded PharmAbcine

Co-founded the company, expanding his experience in the biotech sector.

Wealth Trajectory