Dean Y. Li

Stories

FDA approves first oral PCSK9 inhibitor for high cholesterol

Led the program behind Merck's first-in-class approval

For a decade, the most powerful cholesterol drugs came only as shots. On July 16, 2026, the FDA approved Merck's Lipfendra, a once-daily pill that cut LDL cholesterol about as much as those injections did.

Updated Jul 16

The first personalized cancer vaccine reaches pivotal testing

New Capabilities

Overseeing Merck's post-Keytruda pipeline strategy

Cancer vaccines have promised to train the immune system against tumors for decades. None has delivered a durable, replicable benefit until now.

Updated May 22