Baolin Zhang

Global Chief Regulatory Officer | Qilu Pharmaceuticals | Former FDA Senior Expert in Biologics & Regulatory Science

Rockville, Maryland, United States

About

As Global Chief Regulatory Officer at Qilu Pharmaceutical, I lead global regulatory strategy to bring innovative and high-quality medicines to patients worldwide. My work focuses on navigating complex regulatory landscapes, aligning cross-functional teams, and accelerating development and approvals across major markets. I bring over 30 years of experience in drug development and regulatory affairs, including a 25-year career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At the FDA, I led CMC assessments for numerous INDs, BLAs, and NDAs, and directed research programs that helped shape scientific and regulatory standards for biologics and biosimilars. I am passionate about bridging science and regulation to enable efficient development, global access, and sustained product quality. Core Competencies • Global Regulatory Strategy: FDA, EMA, and multi-region development and approval pathways • Scientific Leadership: 100+ publications; 100+ invited presentations; 20+ honors including the FDA Scientific Achievement Award • Mentorship & Talent Development: Mentored 40+ scientists and reviewers advancing into leadership roles • Technical Expertise: Biologics, biosimilars, and CMC development and assessment

Experience

  • Global Chief Regulatory Officer at Qilu Pharmaceuticals
    Mar 2026 - Present · 4 mos

    Provide executive leadership for global regulatory strategy supporting the development, approval, and commercialization of innovative medicines across major global markets.

  • FDA (Full-time · 24 yrs 7 mos)
    • Senior Biomedical Research & Biomedical Product Assessment Service (SBRBPAS) Expert
      Sep 2020 - Mar 2026 · 5 yrs 7 mos

      Served as a regulatory science leader at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, advancing the regulatory evaluation, quality assessment, and scientific framework for biologics and biosimilars. • Led CMC regulatory evaluations for IND, BLA, and NDA submissions across multiple therapeutic areas, supporting the development and approval of innovative and high-quality medicines. • Directed multidisciplinary research and cross-functional initiatives advancing the quality, potency assessment, and regulatory science of biologics and biosimilars, while contributing to FDA standards, guidance, and policy development.

    • CMC Team Leader & Program Director
      Sep 2001 - Aug 2020 · 19 yrs

      Provided regulatory science leadership at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, advancing the quality assessment, regulatory evaluation, and scientific framework for biologics and biosimilars. • Led CMC regulatory evaluations for IND, BLA, and NDA submissions across multiple therapeutic areas, supporting the development and approval of innovative and high-quality medicines. • Conducted pre-license inspections of biologics manufacturing facilities worldwide to ensure cGMP compliance and manufacturing readiness for licensure. • Directed multidisciplinary research and cross-functional initiatives advancing the quality, potency assessment, and regulatory science of biologics and biosimilars, while contributing to FDA standards, guidance, and policy development.

  • Senior Scientist at University of Tennessee-Health Science Center College of Medicine
    Oct 1996 - Jun 2001 · 4 yrs 9 mos

    Advanced research in tumor biology and therapeutic protein engineering while contributing to national dialogue on policies supporting scientific talent. • Featured in The Commercial Appeal for supporting U.S. Congressional advocacy for the H-1B visa bill promoting opportunities for highly skilled scientists.

  • Deputy Center Director & Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Beijing Center for Biologics Research and Development
    Sep 1993 - Sep 1996 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Provided executive leadership for biologics research, development, and manufacturing operations supporting the commercialization of medical products.