Jirong Lu, Ph.D.

Jirong Lu is Senior Vice President for Biotechnology Research for Eli Lilly and Company focusing on discovery and optimization of biotherapeutics.   Trained in protein biochemistry and biophysics, Jirong has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to discovery and optimization of biotherapeutics in the fields of autoimmune, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. Notably, she was named inventor and contributed to the advancement of multiple molecules for clinical development including Taltz®, Donanemab and Zagotenemab.  Jirong has been instrumental in developing and implementing several technology platforms to optimize therapeutic efficacy, including development of multi-functional biotherapeutic platform, targeted delivery of nucleic acid therapies and biotherapeutic across blood brain barrier, and oral delivery for biologics.  She has contributed to general scientific community through several publications and patents.  Jirong is passionate about the value of mentoring and building diverse teams and served as chair for Lilly's Chinese Culture Network (CCN) from 2019-2021. 

Jirong earned a BS in chemistry from Sichuan University in 1986.   She joined Lilly Research Laboratories in 1997 after completing a doctoral program at the University of Oregon in 1992, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis in 1997. 

In her spare time, Jirong enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and performing arts.