EpiGenic Biosciences Completes Over RMB 100 Million in Series Angel and Pre-A Financing to Advance Next-Generation Epigenetic Therapies

Accelerate the Development of Next-Generation Gene Therapies

ShanghaiAugust 7, 2022PR Newswire -- Epigenic Therapeutics, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Epigenic"), a cutting-edge biotechnology company dedicated to treating various diseases using its unique epigenetic regulation technology, announced today the completion of its Angel and Pre-A financing rounds, raising over 100 million RMB in total. This round of financing was jointly completed by Morningside Venture Capital, Xicheng Jinyi, Beijing Baixun Investment Management Co., Ltd., and TigerYeah Capital, with continued participation from FountainBridge, the Angel round shareholder. The funds will be used for testing the company's proprietary core epigenetic editing technology in non-human primates, expanding and enhancing team capabilities, as well as supporting early clinical trials.

Epigenetic modification is a natural and heritable gene regulation mechanism in the human body that does not alter the intrinsic DNA sequence of cells. Through the company’s proprietary technology platform, scientists are able to edit endogenous gene expression pathways, precisely and efficiently delivering drugs to target tissues and cells to produce potent and long-lasting therapeutic effects. Epigenic Therapeutics, Inc. has gathered a group of highly talented scientists and industry veterans to lead the research and development of technologies and product development.

"Epigenetic editing technology is an emerging and highly differentiated gene editing technology," said Dr. BaoHong Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Epigenic Therapeutics, Inc. "Together with multiple co-founders and scientific advisors, we have gained a deeper understanding of precise epigenetic regulation and are capable of further exploring the potential of this technology to treat a variety of diseases. With this funding, we will further expand our team while validating the platform technology in animal models, accelerating the process of leading candidate products from discovery to clinical development."

"Epigenic is unique among many gene editing therapy development companies. We are delighted to invest in Epigenic, and we believe the company can further explore and develop precise gene therapies, benefiting a wide range of patients," commented Wen-Yu Xue, Managing Director of Morningside Venture Capital.

"Compared with other gene therapy methods, epigenetic editing has more advantages in the mechanism of action, capable of reversibly regulating gene expression levels, and will be the next frontier in genomics. We are delighted to support Epigenic Therapeutics, Inc. in developing innovative epigenetic editing treatment methods, providing new available tools and effective treatment options for the medical field, and look forward to the company bringing more innovative therapies to patients worldwide." Chen Leiwen, Managing Partner of Beijing Baixun Investment Management Co., Ltd., commented.

Dr. Wang Xukun, Partner of Beijing Baixun Investment Management Co., Ltd., commented: "We are very honored to participate in this round of financing for Epigenic Therapeutics, Inc. The company’s gene epigenetic editing platform, built on original basic research in China, has already shown its potential to lead the development of cutting-edge international technologies, marking a solid step forward on the path from 'New in China' to 'New Globally.' We look forward to continuously witnessing the clinical benefits brought to patients by the company's innovative technological breakthroughs and will provide necessary support for the company’s development in all aspects."

"Epigenetic editing, as a cutting-edge biotechnology for next-generation gene therapy, can exert therapeutic effects of gene editing while minimizing off-target effects to the greatest extent, demonstrating high potential for drug development. It is hoped that this technology will bring benefits to more patients," commented Dr. Tianrong Ji, founder and general manager of TigerYeah Capital.

About UsTechnology Platform:

Epigenic's patented technology platform continuously explores for better CRISPR-Cas components through its developed artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, regulating target genes or simultaneously manipulating the expression of multiple genes without altering the DNA sequence. Among similar technologies, our platform does not require DNA cleavage, thus avoiding potential risks such as off-target effects, short half-life, and poor patient compliance. Combined with the company's proprietary patented lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery system, our technology platform has been validated in both in vivo and in vitro models for ocular, neurological, metabolic, and rare diseases, enabling precise and efficient delivery of therapeutics to target cells and tissues.