Group 1: Core Insights - Zhang Lihe, a prominent figure in drug chemistry, has made significant contributions to the development of nucleic acid-targeted drugs and small molecules that regulate cell signaling, leading to innovative cancer treatments [1][2][4] - He emphasizes the importance of learning from failures in drug development, having voluntarily terminated a clinical trial for an anti-tumor drug due to its rapid metabolism in the human body, despite its initial promising results [5][19] - Zhang advocates for original innovation in China's pharmaceutical industry, stressing the need to move beyond imitation to create first-in-class drugs, which he considers the highest goal for scientific research [21][22] Group 2: Career and Achievements - Zhang's career spans over several decades, during which he has published over 200 influential papers and holds three significant patents, showcasing his extensive research output [23] - He played a pivotal role in establishing the National Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Biomimetic Drugs, and served as the dean of the School of Pharmacy at Peking University [17][19] - His research has focused on the intersection of chemistry and biology, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to advance drug development and scientific understanding [17][19] Group 3: Personal Background and Philosophy - Born in 1937 in Jiangsu, Zhang's early life was marked by the turmoil of war, which shaped his determination to contribute to society through science [8][10] - He initially struggled academically but found his passion for drug research during his studies at Beijing Medical University, realizing the critical need for domestic drug development in China [10][13] - Zhang's philosophy emphasizes perseverance in research, stating that there are no shortcuts in scientific inquiry, and one must be prepared to endure challenges to achieve meaningful results [19][21]