Justin Yang is an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor in the biotechnology and life science industries. In addition to his advisory role at PPG, he is the co-founder of DMV Bio, a consulting and advisory firm, and Kaibab Health, a venture studio focused on global health security and infectious disease. 

Justin provides expertise in government funding and procurement, leveraging his background as an interagency reviewer for grants and contracts (DARPA, DTRA, NIH, BARDA). He advises companies on government and private sector financing and funding strategies, primarily helping to raise either private equity financing or successful applications to the U.S. government for non-dilutive support.

“Choose the hard path. Overcoming great challenges reveals our true strength and purpose.”

Education and previous work

Justin earned his Master of Business Administration from East Carolina University, College of Business, and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland.

A Maryland native with decades of experience in science and technology development, Justin has managed major portfolios of biomedical life science research programs ranging across many areas, including HIV, influenza, STI, antimicrobials, diagnostics, devices, and digital health. Early in his career, he held a leadership position at the DOD Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences as Chief of Research Administration for the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program. 

Justin later became Director of the HHS Catalyst Office at the Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures (DRIVe) at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). While there, he helped develop BARDA Ventures, a $250 million venture capital fund focused on accelerating double bottom line medical countermeasures, and the creation of the DRIVe Accelerator Network, Johnson & Johnson Blue Knight, Beyond the Needle, and ReDIRECT programs. Justin successfully completed three advanced development programs culminating with FDA approvals (Achaogen Plazomicin™, Cue Health In-Home Diagnostic, Lucira Health In-Home Diagnostic). He also worked across the interagency serving on the Operation Warp Speed team and BARDA’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team. He represented BARDA on the National Biodefense Strategy creation and implementation.

Justin subsequently served as Director of the HHS Catalyst Office within the Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures (DRIVe) at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). In this capacity, he was instrumental in the development of BARDA Ventures, a $250 million venture capital fund dedicated to accelerating double bottom line medical countermeasures, as well as the establishment of the DRIVe Accelerator Network, Johnson & Johnson Blue Knight, Beyond the Needle, and ReDIRECT programs. Mr. Yang successfully completed three advanced development programs culminating in FDA approvals (Achaogen Plazomicin™, Cue Health In-Home Diagnostic, Lucira Health In-Home Diagnostic). Furthermore, he contributed to interagency efforts, serving on the Operation Warp Speed team and BARDA’s Zika & COVID-19 Incident Management Team. He represented BARDA in the creation and implementation of the National Biodefense Strategy.

After leaving Government service, he was the Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Development at Lyndra Therapeutics, a Bob Langer company. In this role, he managed a $100 million research program dedicated to oral drug delivery for key global health issues, including HIV, malaria, oral contraceptives, and opioid use disorders. During his time there he secured both non-dilutive and licensing deals for the company.

Justin is also an Advisor to Advanced Technologies International (ATI) and the Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC). During his tenure at HHS, his work was recognized with three HHS Secretary’s Awards for innovation.

Justin’s top 5 StrengthsFinder themes are: Strategic, Ideation, Self-Assurance, Communication, Futuristic