And the 2025 BOSCA winner is…
After deliberation over five fantastic finalists, Bioanalysis Zone is delighted to announce the 2025 BOSCA winner as Weifeng Xu! We are honored to recognize Weifeng, a pioneering scientist whose groundbreaking contributions to bioanalytical science have transformed the landscape of neutralizing antibody assays and immunogenicity testing. Weifeng exemplifies scientific excellence and innovation and his outreach beyond the lab makes him a deserving winner. Please join us in congratulating him!
Weifeng Xu
Senior Scientific Director
Merck (NJ, USA)
Weifeng began his industrial career at BMS (NY, USA), specializing in the field of neutralizing antibody (NAb) assays for biologics. He then transitioned to Merck, where he established the Cell Assay Group, which focuses on NAb assays for both biologics and vaccines. Throughout his career, he has published multiple influential papers, including the first successful case of a NAb waiver, the first cell-binding NAb assay for antibody-drug conjugates, and the groundbreaking use of LC/MS to optimize immunogenicity assays.
Weifeng also invented and patented two new methods for NAb assays. His most recent method, the PABAD method, has become Merck’s standard NAb assay format due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness, achieved by significantly reducing the need for biotinylated reagents and eliminating the use of expensive magnetic beads. In addition, he co-edited the 2022 book “Bioanalytic Aspects in Biological Therapeutics.”
As an active member of multiple scientific societies, Weifeng contributes to the IQ Consortium and the European and China Bioanalytical Forum. He holds leadership positions as an executive member of the Chinese Biopharmaceutical Association-GP and co-chairs the AAPS NAb working group.
At Merck, Weifeng expanded his focus to include cell therapy and vaccines. He co-led the IQ Consortium Cell Therapy Immunogenicity group, which resulted in a published White Paper. He also played a key role in supporting the COVID-19 vaccine and the approval of the 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine, Capvaxive. Currently, he leads the Scientific Strategy and Liaison team at Merck’s Regulated Bioanalytics Group, contributing to all scientific discussions within the department, particularly concerning the bioanalytical strategy for antibody drug conjugates.
“When I found out I was one of the five finalists for the BOSCA 2025 award, I was thrilled. Reading the introductions of the other candidates — each with such strong accomplishments — I felt proud just to be among them. I told myself: Good job. Goal achieved.
So when I received the email announcing me as the final winner, I was genuinely shocked, deeply honored and humbled. I want to thank Bioanalysis Zone and the BOSCA award panel for this incredible recognition, and I wholeheartedly congratulate all the finalists for their outstanding contributions to the bioanalytical field.
I consider the invention of the PABAD method — designed to overcome drug interference in immunogenicity assays without harsh acid treatment and minimal expensive reagents — my most significant contribution to date. The idea first sparked 10 years ago after I read a new paper. But it wasn’t until 7 years later, on a cool April day during my drive home from work, that everything clicked. I knew instantly it would work. The moment I got home, I emailed my team with a plan. It was an unforgettable moment of clarity and excitement.
As bioanalytical scientists, we face ever-evolving challenges with the rise of new and complex modalities. These challenges push us to keep learning and innovating — and that’s what makes our scientific journey so rewarding. Of course, we cannot do it without our colleagues, mentors and a broad scientific community such as Bioanalysis Zone. Thank you all!”
— Weifeng Xu
Weifeng Xu, Senior Scientific Director at Merck and BOSCA award winner, pictured with the 2025 trophy.
Read what Weifeng’s nominator had to say about his contributions to bioanalysis:
“It is with utmost pleasure to nominate Dr Weifeng Xu for the 2025 BOSCA. Dr Xu has authored 18 high-impact publications in bioanalytics, accumulating over 300 citations, a testament to his significant contributions to the field. His groundbreaking research includes the first successful utilization of PK, PD and ADA data to waive the need for a standalone NAb assay. This work provided a clear example of interpreting the 2019 FDA Immunogenicity Guidance and stimulated inspirations for a holistic view of bioanalytic data. Weifeng also pioneered the first cell-based binding NAb assay for ADCs, challenged the prevailing view that ‘cell-based assays always provide more relevant in vivo MOA’, and highlighted the limits of cell-based killing assays for ADCs. Moreover, Weifeng developed two novel methods to mitigate drug interference in immunogenicity testing, with his recent innovation, PABAD, eliminating the need for expensive magnetic beads. This method is now Merck’s default assay format and has been recognized by leading pharmaceutical companies and CROs for its reliability and reduced cost.
These achievements demonstrate Weifeng’s ability to push the boundaries of bioanalytical science… Weifeng’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of bioanalytical scientists is particularly noteworthy. For the past 5 years, he has been an instructor for a highly regarded short course on overcoming drug tolerance in NAb assays at the Immunogenicity and Bioassay Summit. His active engagement with young scientists at conferences reflects his dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages growth and innovation… Weifeng’s exceptional scientific caliber, active leadership and steadfast commitment to mentorship make him an outstanding candidate for BOSCA.” — Faye Vazvaei, Merck
Quotes from the BOSCA judging panel:
“Weifeng is my nomination for 1st place because of his scientific rigor and leadership, while also contributing to the important step of non animal methods, integrating advanced bioanalytical methods with automation, community contribution, and regulatory foresight. Innovation is an important step to break the glass ceiling. Mentoring and giving back is an important character trait, which is shown by Weifeng for early stage career development.” — Priyata Kalra, Simulations Plus Inc. (CA, USA)
“I have selected Weifeng because of the direct impact of his involvement in the community and leadership in the field of immunogenicity. Proactive involvement in critical industry groups and the impact of his industry involvement through White Papers are why I select Weifeng as my 1st pick for BOSCA.” — Tim Sangster, Resolian (Fordham, UK)
“Dr Xu demonstrates an exceptional blend of scientific innovation, leadership and community involvement. His pioneering work in immunogenicity testing — especially integrating PK/PD/ADA data to waive standalone NAb assays — and the development of cost-effective methods like PABAD, exemplifies real-world impact. His extensive publication record, editorial leadership and ongoing mentorship efforts highlight both thought leadership and a long-term commitment to shaping the bioanalytical field.” — Seema Kumar, Pioneering Medicines (MA, USA)
