Early Life and Education
Patrick Soon-Shiong was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on July 29, 1952. His parents were Chinese immigrants. He displayed exceptional academic abilities from an early age, graduating at the top of his class at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg with a medical degree at the age of 23.
Rise to Success
Soon-Shiong's career began in medicine, but he transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding several successful pharmaceutical companies. He invented Abraxane, a drug used in the treatment of breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. He founded American Pharmaceutical Partners (APP), which he sold to Fresenius for approximately $4.6 billion. He also founded Abraxis BioScience, which was later acquired by Celgene for approximately $3.8 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Soon-Shiong has focused on innovation in the healthcare sector. He founded NantWorks, a network of healthcare, biotech, and artificial intelligence startups. NantWorks aims to converge various technologies to improve healthcare and treatment. He has also been involved in media, purchasing the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union-Tribune. Soon-Shiong's approach includes developing new immunotherapies and investing in advanced technologies.
Philanthropy
Soon-Shiong and his wife, Michele B. Chan, are known for their philanthropy, committing to give away at least half of their wealth. Through the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation, they have pledged significant amounts to support healthcare transformation, medical technology projects, and improving access to medical services, including a $1 billion pledge.