Youwen Zhou

Dr. Youwen Zhou received a BSc in Biology at Nankai University in China, a PhD in molecular genetics and immunology at State University of New York, and an MD at University of Toronto, before completing a dermatology residency at University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2000.

Youwen is a professor and the director of research at UBC’s department of dermatology and skin science. His lab has done pioneering work on the pathogenesis of vitiligo, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancers.

In addition, his team has played a leading role in the recent successful development of tapinarof (WBI1001) by Welichem Biotech (Burnaby BC), a company founded by talents and financial resources from BC and the Trans-Pacific Regions. Tapinarof, the first FDA-approved topical psoriasis drug in more than 40 years, is one of the most significant Canadian therapeutic contributions. Not only has it improved the lives of millions of psoriasis patients worldwide, it has enriched Canadian and BC economies by hundreds of millions of dollars.