Zhongyin Tech Completes New Round of Financing to Advance Clinical and Industrialization Progress of Ophthalmic Gene Therapies

VCBeat learned that,CHIGENOVO Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as CHIGENOVO) has completed a new round of financing. The funds raised will be used to deeply advance the clinical and industrialization process of the company's drug pipeline, accelerate the early market launch of its self-developed ophthalmic gene therapy drugs, and change the current situation where patients with hereditary retinal degeneration globally have no access to treatment.This round of financing was led by Kunlun Capital, with participation from Shanghai GP Capital Co., Ltd. and others.

ZVS101e Injection is a gene replacement therapy drug developed for Bietti's Crystalline Dystrophy (BCD), suitable for all BCD patients carrying CYP4V2 gene mutations, and isThe First Drug to Conduct IIT Clinical Research and Phase I/II Clinical Trials for BCD WorldwideIn August 2021, it received the U.S. FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD). By the end of 2022, it obtained IND tacit approval in both China and the U.S. In February 2023, the first subject was successfully enrolled in the Phase I/II clinical trial at Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital. The first IIT subject of ZVS101e injection has been followed up for over two years, showing that the drug has good safety and significant therapeutic effects.

ZVS203e Injection is a gene-editing therapeutic drug independently developed for RHO gene mutation-induced autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RHO-adRP).Currently conducting IIT exploratory clinical research at Peking University Third HospitalThe drug received orphan drug designation (ODD) from the U.S. FDA in June 2022 and completed the first subject dosing in an investigator-initiated trial (IIT) in September 2023. ZVS203e injection is the world's first gene-editing therapeutic drug targeting RHO-adRP to enter the clinical stage.

CHIGENOVO Co., Ltd. has the capability and experience in full lifecycle drug development.Currently, there are 7 genetic eye disease gene therapy pipelines under research., aiming to solve the dilemma of having no available treatment for such diseases, bringing light and hope to patients with hereditary eye diseases worldwide.

Kunlun Capital, founded in 2015, focuses on investments in technology innovation enterprises. As an investment institution led by entrepreneurs still actively engaged in the front lines of business, Kunlun Capital centers on user value, pays attention to cutting-edge technological innovations, and primarily invests in leading companies within niche markets. In recent years, Kunlun Capital has been deeply involved in the medical field, seeking industry partners dedicated to addressing unmet clinical needs.

Jinpu Muhe Fund is a fund established through the cooperation between Jinpu Investment and industrial players in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) field. The fund focuses on investing in companies with core technologies and innovation capabilities in the upstream and downstream of the CGT sector. By combining investment with empowerment, the fund aims to accelerate the rapid growth of local Chinese cell and gene therapy enterprises and jointly promote the development of China's cell and gene industry.