How Maky Zanganeh Rose to Lead Summit Therapeutics
By Sreekanth, US-based NRI Journalist
In the fast-evolving world of biotechnology, few stories capture the essence of immigrant resilience, bold innovation, and transformative leadership like that of Dr. Maky Zanganeh. As Co-CEO and President of Summit Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SMMT), she has guided the company toward groundbreaking advancements in lung cancer treatment, particularly with the promising candidate ivonescimab. This journey propelled her into the billionaire ranks, earning her a spot on Forbes’ prestigious lists, including America’s Richest Self-Made Women (#23 in 2025) and recognition among America’s Most Successful Immigrants in 2025. Her net worth, tied to Summit’s stock surge driven by clinical successes and regulatory milestones, reflects not just financial triumph but the power of an immigrant mindset—adaptability, relentless pursuit of excellence, and unwavering commitment to impact.
For NRIs and aspiring global professionals, Zanganeh’s path embodies the NRI-style narrative of turning adversity into opportunity. Born amid turmoil in Iran, she navigated revolutions, relocations across continents, and personal battles—including surviving breast cancer—to become a trailblazing leader in the U.S. biotech scene. Her story inspires those chasing the American Dream in STEM and healthcare, proving that resilience and vision can redefine industries and save lives.
Early Life: Roots in Iran, Education Across Continents
Dr. Mahkam (Maky) Zanganeh was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1970, to architect parents in a family steeped in engineering and medical pursuits. Her early years unfolded in a pre-revolution Iran that felt like a bridge between East and West. But the 1979 Islamic Revolution changed everything when she was just nine. Family life was upended; her parents and siblings faced upheaval, with her older sisters pursuing medicine in Strasbourg, France.
Zanganeh stayed behind initially to complete high school, living with relatives amid war and uncertainty. This period forged her survivor spirit. As she later reflected in interviews, challenges like the revolution and war built toughness: “That kind of lifestyle makes you tough and makes you a survivor.”
Seeking stability, she moved to Germany for high school, earning her diploma before joining her sisters in France. There, she pursued dentistry at Louis Pasteur University (now University of Strasbourg), specializing in pediatric dentistry and graduating with a DDS in 1995. Fluent in Farsi, German, French, and English, her multilingual foundation reflected her global adaptability.
Yet dentistry felt limiting. “I needed a bigger project in my life that would have a bigger impact on the world,” she shared. This realization led her to earn an MBA from Schiller International University in France in 1998, shifting toward business and innovation in healthcare.
(Suggested visual: Professional portrait of Dr. Maky Zanganeh in a modern business setting, smiling confidently against a backdrop of biotech lab elements.)
Move to USA: From Robotics to Biotech Leadership (2002 Onward)
In 1997, a connection introduced Zanganeh to Computer Motion, a U.S. pioneer in robotic surgery. Fascinated by the potential of minimally invasive procedures, she joined as European coordinator while completing her MBA. She later led operations in EMEA and contributed to groundbreaking achievements, including the world’s first transatlantic robotic surgery (Operation Lindbergh).
In 2002, she relocated to the U.S., joining Computer Motion full-time (later merged with Intuitive Surgical). This move marked her full immersion in American innovation culture. She thrived in the male-dominated field of surgical robotics, proving that immigrant talent could drive cutting-edge tech.
Her trajectory accelerated at Pharmacyclics, where as Chief Operating Officer, she spearheaded the development and commercialization of ibrutinib (IMBRUVICA®), a revolutionary blood cancer therapy. Her leadership secured a landmark collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and culminated in AbbVie’s $21 billion acquisition in 2015—one of biotech’s largest deals. This success earned her awards like Fierce Biotech’s “Top Women in Biotech” (2013) and EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
In 2020, Zanganeh joined Summit Therapeutics as Co-CEO and President alongside Chairman Robert W. Duggan. Under their stewardship, Summit pivoted to oncology, licensing ivonescimab—a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody—from Akeso Biopharma in China.
(Suggested visual: Timeline graphic illustrating key career milestones from Iran to U.S. relocation, Pharmacyclics acquisition, and Summit leadership.)
Breakthroughs: Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Treatment and Stock Surge
Summit’s transformation under Zanganeh has been remarkable. Ivonescimab, targeting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), showed superior results in trials. By 2025–2026, key milestones included positive Phase III HARMONi data (September 2025), BLA submission to the FDA, and acceptance with a PDUFA goal date of November 14, 2026, for EGFR-mutated NSCLC post-TKI therapy in combination with chemotherapy.
These advancements sparked a stock surge, with shares reflecting investor confidence in ivonescimab’s potential to outperform standards like Keytruda in certain settings. Summit expanded trials (e.g., HARMONi-7, HARMONi-GI3 for colorectal cancer) and collaborations (e.g., with GSK in 2026). Zanganeh’s strategic vision—licensing an “overlooked” asset and executing globally—drove this momentum, minting her a $1.5 billion fortune and highlighting biotech’s high-reward potential.
(Suggested visual: Graph or chart showing Summit Therapeutics stock growth from 2020–2026, alongside ivonescimab trial phase icons or lung cancer awareness imagery.)
Challenges: Overcoming Immigrant Barriers and Industry Hurdles
Zanganeh’s path wasn’t easy. As an Iranian immigrant post-revolution, she faced cultural adaptation, language barriers (mastered multiple), and biases in male-dominated biotech. High-risk R&D demanded resilience—Pharmacyclics struggled before ibrutinib’s success, and Summit once teetered with minimal revenue.
Her breast cancer diagnosis during COVID-19 tested her personally. Yet she emerged stronger, authoring “The Magic of Normal,” reflecting on recovery and normalcy’s value.
In a male-dominated field, she defied norms through excellence. “Being an immigrant is about seeking the best opportunities and learning to adapt… while holding onto your core values,” she told Forbes in 2025.
Leadership: Evolution with Core Values Intact
Zanganeh’s style blends vision, empathy, and drive. She emphasizes purpose: “You should put every time this purpose, another project, another impact.” Quotes highlight her philosophy:
- “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option.” (Favorite Bob Marley quote)
- “Fight till the end… Never give up no matter what’s happened.”
- “Don’t chase ‘having it all.’ Define what matters most… and align your choices.”
Her evolution retains immigrant roots—resilience, adaptability—while championing innovation and patient impact.
Impact: Inspiring Diverse Talent in Biotech
Zanganeh inspires underrepresented groups, especially immigrant women in STEM. As a UN speaker, cancer survivor, and billionaire leader, she shows diverse talent drives breakthroughs. Her story encourages NRIs to pursue bold paths in U.S. healthcare.
12+ Lessons from Maky Zanganeh’s Journey
- Embrace Adaptability — Relocate, learn languages, pivot careers—change is opportunity.
- Cultivate Resilience — Turn adversity (revolution, illness) into strength.
- Pursue Bigger Impact — Seek roles transforming lives, not just jobs.
- Never Give Up — Fight till the end; quitting cedes control.
- Value Education — DDS, MBA—continuous learning fuels success.
- Take Calculated Risks — License overlooked assets; high-risk biotech yields rewards.
- Lead with Purpose — Align actions with societal good.
- Hold Core Values — Adapt without losing identity.
- Build Networks — Connections (e.g., robotics to biotech) open doors.
- Overcome Bias — Excel in male-dominated fields through results.
- Prioritize Normalcy — In crisis, reclaim “magic of normal.”
- Inspire Others — Share stories to empower diverse talent.
- Stay Competitive for Excellence — Drive personal growth daily.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Health Innovation
Dr. Maky Zanganeh’s journey—from Iranian revolution survivor to U.S. biotech billionaire—exemplifies immigrant resilience fueling global progress. As Summit advances ivonescimab toward potential approval, her legacy in oncology grows, offering hope to lung cancer patients worldwide.
For NRIs, her story affirms America’s opportunity: innovate boldly, adapt fiercely, impact profoundly. Maky Zanganeh proves dreams transcend borders.
About the Author Sreekanth is a US-based NRI journalist passionate about immigrant success stories, biotech innovations, and inspirational narratives for the global Indian diaspora. With years covering tech, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, he highlights journeys like Zanganeh’s to motivate NRIs worldwide. Connect via nriglobe.com.
Latest NRI News & Global Updates:
Health, Wellness & Lifestyle for NRIs
https://nriglobe.com/health-wellness/
Latest NRI News & Global Updates
https://nriglobe.com/news/
Business & Finance News for NRIs
https://nriglobe.com/business/
Investment Guides for NRIs
https://nriglobe.com/investment/
Jobs & Career Opportunities for NRIs
https://nriglobe.com/jobs/
