UK law firm Simmons & Simmons has added Richard Cheng Li as a partner and head of its healthcare and life sciences group in Hong Kong. Li was most recently chief legal officer of biotech firm I-Mab Biopharma.

Li has more than 15 years of experience, with a particular focus on the healthcare and life sciences sector. At I-Mab, Li oversaw the company’s legal affairs, including capital markets, intellectual property, clinical operations, corporate transactions, and U.S. operations, and also supported its business growth.

Prior to joining I-Mab, Li led Covington & Burling's China life sciences transaction practice. He previously served as head of legal at 6 Dimensions Capital, a life sciences venture capital firm, and was an associate in the Shanghai office of Hogan Lovells earlier in his career.

"[Li’s] appointment is a strategic move that underscores our commitment to expanding our presence in Asia. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the healthcare and life sciences sector will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities in the Greater China and Asia Pacific region," said Jonathan Hammond, Asia regional head at Simmons & Simmons, in a statement.

Li exited I-Mab Biopharma earlier this year after the NASDAQ-listed biotech company decided to divest its China operations. U.S. lawmakers have recently been targeting Chinese biotech companies in a bid to halt their advance towards sophisticated biotechnology while bolstering domestic drug manufacturing capacity.

Simmons & Simmons now has 34 legal professionals in Hong Kong, including 14 partners. The office added Jeffrey Friedenberg as the head of its private funds practice earlier this year, and partners Wendy Wong and David Blumental last year.