CPRIT honors Zhiqiang An for cancer research

Zhiqiang An, PhD, received the 2026 Texans Conquer Cancer Award, which emerged from a basic science grant funded by CPRIT in 2015. (Photo by UTHealth Houston)

Zhiqiang An, PhD, a nationally recognized cancer researcher, inventor, and drug discovery leader at UTHealth Houston, has been honored with the Texans Conquer Cancer Award from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research and the development of innovative therapies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with cancer. 

An is vice president of drug discovery at UTHealth Houston and a professor, the Robert A. Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry, and director of the Texas Therapeutics Institute at the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.  

CPRIT nominees were identified by their peers through the award nominations process. An was selected for his extraordinary achievements in advancing CPRIT’s understanding of the causes of cancer, improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, and improving techniques for preventing cancers.   

An received the 2026 Texans Conquer Cancer Award, which emerged from a basic science grant funded by CPRIT in 2015 as well as three other CPRIT academic research grants since 2015 that transformed the immunotherapy treatment of cancer. Over the last 10 years, An has held four CPRIT grant awards as a principal investigator, totaling more than $14 million.  

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from CPRIT, whose support has been instrumental in advancing our work at the Texas Therapeutics Institute,” An said. “Over the years, CPRIT funding has enabled us to build innovative drug discovery programs, develop new cancer therapies, and translate promising scientific discoveries toward clinical application. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and collaborators across the state of Texas and our shared commitment to delivering better treatment options for cancer patients.” 

For more than three decades, he has helped advance scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic in both industry and academia, developing novel therapies that could transform cancer treatment in Texas and around the world. 

The Texans Conquer Cancer Award recognizes individuals whose work has made a significant impact in the fight against cancer. An was selected for his leadership in translational cancer research, his pioneering work in antibody engineering, and his success in advancing innovative therapeutic candidates toward clinical application. 

“Dr. An’s career has been defined by a relentless commitment to developing new therapies for patients facing some of the most challenging cancers,” said John Hancock, MA, MB, BChir, PhD, ScD, senior vice president for research strategy and innovation at UTHealth Houston, senior executive director at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, and John S. Dunn Distinguished University Chair in Physiology and Medicine at McGovern Medical School. “His scientific achievements, entrepreneurial leadership, and dedication to mentoring future researchers embody the spirit of the Texans Conquer Cancer Award.” 

Since joining UTHealth Houston in 2009 as the founding director of the Texas Therapeutics Institute, An has built one of the nation’s leading academic drug discovery programs. Under his leadership, the institute has secured more than $50 million in funding from CPRIT, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. 

A leader in antibody therapeutics, An has focused much of his research on developing innovative cancer treatments. Fifteen antibody drug candidates discovered in his laboratory have been licensed to biotechnology companies, with seven advancing into 12 clinical trials targeting diseases including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, bone metastasis, and solid tumors. 

Among his most notable recent achievements was the co-founding of CrossBridge Bio, a UTHealth Houston spinout company built upon antibody-drug conjugate technology developed through Texas Therapeutics Institute’s research program and the Institute of Molecular Medicine’s Cancer Antibody Drug Modalities Core Facility, which is supported by CPRIT. The company raised venture funding, secured a CPRIT Company Formation grant and a Product Development grant totaling $18 million, and advanced a promising cancer therapy candidate toward human clinical trials. Earlier this year, CrossBridge Bio was acquired by Eli Lilly in a deal valued at up to $300 million, underscoring the translational impact of the technology developed under An’s leadership. 

Through his scientific discoveries, leadership, and mentorship, An has helped redefine how academic institutions conduct drug discovery while creating new opportunities to bring promising cancer therapies to patients. 

“The ultimate goal of our work is to improve and save lives,” An said. “I am honored to receive this recognition and grateful to the many collaborators, trainees, and colleagues who have contributed to these achievements. Together, we remain committed to advancing innovative therapies that help conquer cancer.”