Patrick Hafenstein
Chairman
Patrick Hafenstein is an accomplished executive and global strategist with a remarkable career spanning international business development, marketing, trade, investment, and government relations. As Chairman of JY BioMedical, Patrick brings a wealth of expertise, vision, and leadership honed through decades of experience across multiple industries. His ability to bridge global markets with cutting-edge innovation positions JY BioMedical as a leader in delivering transformative healthcare solutions.
In addition to his role at JY BioMedical, Patrick is the Chairman of Esenfa Capital, a prominent investment firm specializing in venture capital and private equity with a focus on 15 biotechnology companies. Under his leadership, Esenfa Capital has become a frontrunner in identifying and nurturing high-impact investments in healthcare, technology, and life sciences driving innovation and growth in emerging markets.
Patrick is a longstanding board director of the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, where he plays an integral role on the Executive Committee, Health and Wellness Committee, and Social Committee. His contributions have been pivotal in fostering business relationships and promoting regional economic collaboration.
Before joining JY BioMedical, Patrick served as the Queensland Government's Trade and Investment Commissioner to Taiwan, where he spearheaded initiatives that redefined international trade opportunities, attracted substantial foreign investment, and facilitated the global expansion of Queensland-based businesses. His tenure elevated Queensland's economic presence internationally, culminating in him becoming the first-ever state government commissioner to receive the Excellence Award from the General Chamber of Commerce in its 77-year history, an honor personally recognized by the President of Taiwan.
Patrick’s dynamic leadership, global expertise, and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation make him an invaluable force behind JY BioMedical’s mission to revolutionize patient outcomes and deliver next-generation solutions worldwide.
Ethan Shen, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Dr. Shen is a seasoned entrepreneur and biotech leader with over two decades of experience in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Starting his career at Novartis in 2001, he later founded a chain of pharmacies and a clinical pharmaceutical services company supporting global clinical trials. In 2015, he established the Taiwan Chronic Disease Medical Care Association and launched Jiyan Biomedical Co., Ltd. to develop medical-grade healthcare products.
Dr. Shen’s focus on cancer research led to a partnership with Professor SiYi Chen in 2018 to develop an anti-PDL1 cancer vaccine, with their work published in Cancers in 2019. He has since invested in several biotech companies, including Cytoarm (Armed-T) and EG Bio, which he now leads as CEO, with EG Bio poised to go public by the end of 2023.
As a co-founder of a cancer foundation and a key figure in various biotech ventures, Dr. Shen continues to drive innovation in oncology and healthcare, blending research, investment, and entrepreneurship to make a lasting impact.
Benjamin Zhang, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
Dr. Zhang, Chief Medical Officer at JY BioMedical, is an accomplished medical doctor with extensive expertise in immune cell research, stem cell research, cell engineering, and clinical trial management. A leader in the field of cancer immunotherapy, Dr. Zhang is the inventor of JY BioMedical’s proprietary protocol for gamma delta T cell expansion, a key innovation that enhances the company’s immunotherapy pipeline by enabling more effective cancer-targeting treatments.
Dr. Zhang’s expertise also extends to stem cell research, where his work has contributed to the development of advanced regenerative medicine therapies. His proficiency in cell engineering ensures that the latest scientific techniques are applied to engineer cells for therapeutic use, aligning with the company’s focus on innovative, next-generation treatments.
In addition to his research and technical expertise, Dr. Zhang plays a crucial role in managing clinical trials, ensuring that JY BioMedical’s therapies undergo rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. His leadership in clinical development is central to the company’s mission of delivering groundbreaking, life-changing treatments to patients.
