Zhenjun Diwu: Illuminating Science with Vision

Zhenjun “Jack” Diwu is a trailblazer in the world of science, embodying the roles of entrepreneur, leader, and changemaker. His career stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to advancing scientific discovery. Diwu’s impact extends beyond the conventional boundaries of leadersh—he has been integral to the development of cutting-edge drugs and drug discovery tools for companies that he has either founded or co-founded. His visionary approach and hands-on involvement in scientific research have positioned him as a transformative leader, capable of pushing the boundaries of innovation and effecting meaningful change in the scientific and medical fields. Diwu is a serial entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise in chemistry and for driving progress in the biotechnology sector

THE GENESIS OF DIWU’S CAREER

Zhenjun “Jack” Diwu currently serves as the President and CEO of AAT Bioquest. He hails from Xianyang, a small city near Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province in China. Xianyang’s historical significance as a cradle of Chinese civilization, being part of the Qin dynasty’s origins, deeply influenced Diwu’s early interests. He initially leaned towards liberal arts subjects like history, literature, and political science due to his hometown’s rich cultural heritage. Despite his initial focus on the liberal arts, Diwu’s passion for science and engineering grew as China underwent significant reforms under Xiaoping Deng in the late 1970s. When China shifted its emphasis to science and technology education, Diwu enrolled in the
Department of Chemistry at Northwest University in Xi’an, even though his Dpersonal interests leaned more toward mathematics and engineering. Nevertheless, he accepted his academic assignment and dove into the study of chemistry. Initially struggling with the subject, Diwu’s hard work and perseverance
helped him excel, graduating among the top of his class in 1984. His academic journey continued at the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, where Diwu focused his research on the phototherapeutic mechanisms of hypocrellins, natural pigments from a fungus in Yunnan Province. This research laid the groundwork for his lifelong interest in drug discovery and phototherapy.

Pioneering Phototherapeutic Research

Following his PhD in 1988, Diwu pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Alberta in Canada, collaborating with William Lown to develop innovative cancer and anti-HIV treatments based on the natural pigment hypocrellin. Their groundbreaking research led to the founding of Sonolight Pharmaceutical, a company dedicated to exploring the commercial potential of light- and ultrasound- activated drugs. The company’s eventual merger into Quest Pharmaceuticals allowed for continued advancements in anticancer, antiviral, and even cosmetic applications of these discoveries.

Shaping the Future of Fluorescence Technology

In 1993, Diwu joined Molecular Probes, founded by Richard Haugland, a pioneer in fluorescence technology. Under Haugland’s mentorship, Diwu’s interest in fluorescent probes flourished, especially after his interactions with Nobel laureate Roger Tsien, who inspired Diwu with his development of Fluo-3
for calcium detection. This fascination drove Diwu to specialize in fluorescent probes for monitoring intracellular calcium ions, a crucial aspect of cellular communication. By 2000, Diwu’s expertise led him to Molecular Devices, where he worked on integrating fluorescence detection systems with high
throughput screening (HTS) technology, particularly for drug discovery targeting GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors). His team developed industry leading calcium assay kits, which revolutionized the HTS market and set new standards for drug development.

THE BIRTH OF AAT BIOQUEST

In 2006, Diwu co-founded AAT Bioquest, a biotech company that continues to push the boundaries of assay development and drug discovery tools. AAT Bioquest’s focus on developing innovative

Solutions for scientific research has earned it a reputation as a leader in fields like cell analysis, molecular biology, and high-throughput screening. One of the company’s early successes was the development of Fluo-8, followed by other calcium detection products such as Cal-520 and Calbryte 520, which surpassed earlier calcium dyes in sensitivity and performance Under Diwu’s leadership, AAT Bioquest has committed significant resources to research and development, reinvesting more than half of its revenue into advancing scientific tools. This relentless drive for innovation has placed the company at the forefront of the life sciences industry

AAT BIOQUEST’S MARKET LEADERSHIP

analyzing cellular functions, including tools for detecting cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and necrosis. Their fluorescent probes, like Fluo-8, Cal-520, and Calbryte, are essential for real-time calcium ion analysis in live cells, supporting vital research in cellular communication and signal transduction. The company has also introduced Power Signal Amplification (PSA) technology, which enables the detection of rarely expressed receptors, a significant breakthrough in fluorescence imaging.

Beyond cell analysis, AAT Bioquest’s innovations extend to immunology and molecular biology, with standout products like ROXtra fluorescence calibration standards and StrandBrite™ RNA quantification tools, which have been pivotal in PCR-based tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s Screen Quest HTS kits are widely used in drug discovery labs worldwide, reflecting its global influence and reach.

Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis

AAT Bioquest has proven its agility and speed in innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its products, such as the ROXtra calibration standards and StrandBrite™ RNA quantification, played a crucial role in resolving bottlenecks in PCR testing. Moreover, the company’s COVIDyte drug screening tools have been instrumental in identifying potential treatments for COVID-19, further solidifying AAT Bioquest’s reputation for swift and impactful scientific contributions

Diwu’s Vision and Advice for the Future

Zhenjun Diwu’s vision for AAT Bioquest is rooted in a commitment to providing high-quality, reliable solutions for life sciences researchers. He believes that a company’s integrity is its cornerstone, and long-term success is built on consistently meeting and exceeding customer expectations. This customer-centric philosophy has been key to AAT Bioquest’s sustainability and growth.

For the next generation of entrepreneurs, especially those in the sciences, Diwu offers simple yet profound advice: follow your passion. He believes that when you are passionate about your work, it fuels your energy and creativity, enabling you to achieve success and make a lasting impact. Diwu’s own career serves as a shining example of how dedication to one’s craft, coupled with a relentless pursuit of innovation, can lead to transformative success in both business and science