Dr. Zhang is known for pioneering work in Chemical Biology, Synthetic Biology and Protein Medicinal Chemistry, particularly on expanding unnatural amino acid genetic codes, computational design of single-chain antibody and biorthogonality theory.
In addition to top-tiered publications, he has authored and co-authored 14 patents, all have been licensed by biopharmaceutical companies. For example, his “Red Code” patent has been wildly used by biopharmaceutical companies to develop and manufacture ADC therapy, as well as PEGlated-protein drugs. His patented technologies have helped founded two successful biopharma companies - Ambrx, Inc. in San Diego and Cloudbreak Pharmaceutical, Inc. in Los Angeles. He has served as technical consultant for several silicon valley biotech companies and VC groups.