Two Chinese innovative assets form critical pieces of U.S. biotech Ollin's strategic puzzle

September 17, 2025, Ollin Biosciences published its inaugural press release, announcing two major milestones: the formal launch of its operations and the completion of a $100 million financing round. 

Established in 2023 with a focus on ophthalmic drug development, the company currently lists two drug candidates in its pipeline, both in-licensed from Chinese pharmaceutical companies.

The first asset, OLN324, is a VEGF/Ang2 bispecific antibody originally developed by Innovent Biologics (original code: IBI324). The drug is currently in a Phase 1b clinical study for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

Notably, the randomized controlled trial named JADE has completed enrollment of 150 patients and is directly head-to-head against the blockbuster ophthalmic drug faricimab. Key data from this study are expected in the first quarter of 2026.

The second asset, OLN102, is an IGF-1R/TSHR bispecific antibody originally developed by VelaVigo (original code: VBS102). It shows potential for treating thyroid eye disease (TED) and Graves.

Back in April of this year, Ollin secured ex-Greater China global rights to VBS102 in a deal worth up to $440 million. VelaVigo retained rights in Greater China and received an equity stake in Ollin as part of the agreement.

Both IGF-1R and TSHR are clinically validated targets for TED. By simultaneously inhibiting these two receptors, OLN102 has the potential to offer superior safety and efficacy over existing therapies through more precise tissue targeting and a wider therapeutic window.

Previously, Dr. Tong Zhang, co-founder of VelaVigo, stated in an interview: ″We chose Ollin for two key reasons: first, Ollin Biosciences had been operating for over a year with a mature team and organizational structure; second, VBS-102 occupies a strategic position as the second asset in their pipeline, enhancing its development priority.″

Ollin's story begins with two innovative assets originating from China. This model reflects a growing trend in the global biotechnology sector: high-quality innovative assets from China are being integrated into platforms operated by experienced international teams through various flexible approaches, including cross-border licensing deals (BD) and equity investments, thereby accelerating their global market entry. 

This not only demonstrates the strong R&D capabilities of Innovent and VelaVigo but also signifies recognition of the value of China-originated novel therapeutics, highlighting an efficient strategy for resource integration and risk sharing that is likely to become increasingly common in the future.

Source: Drug Times