Safeguard Genomics Completes CNY 100 Million Series C Financing to Lead Precision Prevention and Treatment in Genetic and Rare Diseases

VCBeat has learned that recently,Cipher Gene (Beijing) Genomics Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Cipher Gene”) has completed a C-round financing of RMB 100 million, led by Jinjiang Development Group, with follow-on investments from Zhongxi Fund and certain existing shareholders.The funds will be primarily used to promote the co-construction of hospital-based LDT laboratories and accelerate the implementation of comprehensive solutions for genetic and rare diseases in top-tier medical institutions, as well as to expedite the R&D and registration of products for the tertiary prevention of birth defects, thereby deepening the Group’s strategic layout in the integrated precision prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of genetic and rare diseases.

The robust growth of gene sequencing technology is largely built upon the creation and iteration of new scenarios and applications. As the types of genetic disorders and the number of disease-causing genes are continuously discovered and updated, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is playing an increasingly important role in disease screening and diagnostic applications. To address the urgent need for precise diagnosis among clinicians, Cipher Gene leverages the rapid development of NGS,Proprietary Probe Coverage Regions and Core Algorithms, with disease-oriented design, we have developed solutions targeting specific mutation types and regions associated with different diseases.WES-Centric Genetic Testing Solutions for Patients with Genetic Diseases in China, utilizing the most cost-effective testing panels to obtain results that best match clinical needs, thereby providing genetic disease diagnosis and screening services.

Company ProductsIt has gained recognition from clinical experts in three fields: assisted diagnosis of genetic diseases, tertiary prevention and control of birth defects, and diagnosis of infertility in the reproductive system., facilitating the faster, more accurate, and more efficient formulation of clinical treatment plans. To date,Cipher Gene has established partnerships with over 400 Grade A tertiary hospitals across China, with its business covering 90% of the children’s hospitals and maternity hospitals in the end-user market;Cumulatively helped over 70% of patients obtain more optimized treatment plans, assisting families in need in having healthy offspring.

Cipher GeneCumulative large-scale genomic dataset of nearly 200,000 cases of genetic diseases, providing valuable resources for clinical diagnosis and scientific research. ThroughA Distinctive Platform for Gene Big Data Mining and Functional Validation, as Well as a High-Throughput Drug Screening Platform, the company provides robust support for exploring the molecular etiology of genetic diseases and drug targeting, as well as for developing precision therapeutics, thereby establishing a closed-loop diagnostic and therapeutic ecosystem. While meeting patients’ needs for precise diagnosis, it also assists clinicians in identifying novel pathogenic mechanisms of genetic diseases from a research perspective, facilitating the publication of high-quality academic outcomes. Cipher GeneSelf-developed ZeDisco^TMDrug Discovery Platform, deeply mining the translational value of genomic big data, focusing on novel pathogenic gene targets for drug screening, and providing an efficient pathway for the research and development of first-in-class drugs for genetic diseases. Currently,The company has established dozens of models.These achievements have laid a solid foundation for the company’s strategic layout of integrated diagnosis and treatment.

Over the past two years, Cipher Gene and its subsidiaries have received recognition from multiple parties on several occasions. Cipher Gene has obtained“Beijing Specialized, Refined, Differential, and Innovative Enterprise,” “Jiangsu Gazelle Enterprise,” “China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Demonstration Enterprise”such titles, which fully affirm Cipher Gene’s strong growth momentum and the achievements made in exploring new mechanisms for industry-academia-research collaboration. The honors received in 2023“DCMM Data Management Capability Maturity Level 2 Certification”Demonstrating Cipher Gene’s capabilities in big data management and application, reaching an advanced level within China.Cipher Gene Medical Laboratory Receives Certification from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), signifying that its issued reports possess global credibility and qualifications for international mutual recognition; meanwhile, it has been selected as a “Jiangsu Province Specialized, Refined, Differential, and Innovative SME” and recognized as a “Suzhou City Engineering Technology Research Center.” Cipher Gene participated in the project “Clinical and Basic Research on Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy in Infants.”Awarded the Second Prize for Science and Technology by the China Birth Defects Intervention and Relief Foundation.The company was named one of China’s “Most Socially Influential Startups” in 2022 by Fortune magazine, and has been listed among the “Top 100 Future Healthcare Companies in China” for five consecutive years.

Dr. Yu Weishi, Founder and CEO, stated: “We returned to China in late 2015 to found Cipher Gene, dedicated toBuilding an Integrated Platform for Precision Prevention, Control, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Genetic and Rare Diseases Centered on Genomic Data, officially commercialized its platform products in clinical settings in 2018, and now its business covers more than 400 hospitals across China.With continuous technological advancements and strong capital support, we have witnessed the rapid development and transformation of the industry. We sincerely thank both new and existing investors for their steadfast trust and support in Cipher Gene, which will accelerate the in-depth deployment and expansion of our integrated diagnosis and treatment business across China. Choosing to specialize in the field of genetic and rare diseases requires not only courage but also resilience; we firmly believe that this is a challenging yet correct path grounded in long-termism. Along the way, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and customers for their continued recognition and trust. The Cipher Gene team will remain down-to-earth, focusing on market demands to deeply explore the value of genetic data, drive continuous technological innovation and translation, and provide more precise and reliable comprehensive solutions for patients with genetic and rare diseases in China. In the journey ahead, we sincerely hope that friends from all sectors will continue to support and assist Cipher Gene. We also warmly welcome both new and old friends to collaborate with us for mutual benefit, empowering the sustainable development of the industry.

Dr. Liang Mengmeng, Co-founder and COO, stated: “Amid the current global economic downturn, persistent capital winter, and accelerated industry consolidation, Cipher Gene has arduously yet resolutely completed its Series C financing. This serves as a much-needed boost to all ‘Cipher Geners’ for their steadfast commitment and in-depth cultivation in the fields of genetic and rare diseases. Over the past eight years since its establishment, we have participated inBringing High-Throughput Sequencing Technology from the Laboratory to Clinical ApplicationWe have witnessed the average time to diagnose rare diseases shrink from four years to just four weeks. We have observed the formulation and promotion of national policies for birth defect prevention and control, as well as for the approval and R&D of orphan drugs. We are also deeply moved by the tireless efforts of patients with rare diseases and public welfare organizations in advancing science popularization and improving diagnostic and therapeutic standards. Empowered by high-quality resources, “Cipher Gene” will become more pragmatic and steady.Focus on refined operations and cost reduction with efficiency enhancement, accelerate the improvement of R&D efficiency and product commercialization capabilities through industry-academia-research collaboration models, and strengthen service capabilities and differentiated competitiveness.“Pessimists are always right, while optimists keep moving forward. We hope to work with all colleagues who support Cipher Gene to forge an innovative paradigm in China’s field of genetic and rare diseases—one that achieves both technological leadership and commercial success.”

Mr. Huang An, Member of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of Chengdu Jinjiang Investment Development Group Co., Ltd., pointed out“With continuous advancements in technologies such as gene sequencing, bioinformatics, and gene editing, the market potential in the niche sectors of reproductive health and genetic/rare diseases has been rapidly cultivated in recent years. The Chinese government has placed increasing emphasis on genetic and rare diseases, creating a favorable policy environment for market development. After thorough research and evaluation, we ultimately decided to invest in Cipher Gene, primarily because the company’s team has demonstrated outstanding strategic capability and execution in leveraging gene data to empower patients with genetic and rare diseases. Furthermore, the team has exhibited strong resilience and risk mitigation capabilities in the face of an uncertain external environment.”Cipher Gene’s integrated model of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment provides precise diagnostic and screening services for patients with genetic or rare diseases, while its technology platform, centered on zebrafish as a model organism, empowers clinical research and drug development., we are optimistic about its market potential and development prospects in these fields, and believe that Cipher Gene will soon become a leader in this sector, benefiting society and families while delivering substantial returns to investors.”

Cipher Gene was established in Beijing in 2015, specializing in AI-driven analysis of genetic big data to provide precision medical services for patients with genetic disorders. The company operates a CAP-accredited third-party clinical laboratory and holds clinical molecular genetics certification from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG). It has independently developed platforms for functional validation and high-throughput drug screening. Its business portfolio encompasses next-generation sequencing-based auxiliary diagnostics for genetic diseases, tiered prevention and control products for birth defects, as well as translational medicine and drug R&D services, thereby achieving an integrated closed-loop operation spanning clinical care, scientific research, and pharmaceutical development. Its zebrafish-based innovative technology platform enables efficient gene function validation and high-throughput drug screening, meeting the needs for precise diagnosis in genetic disorders, advancing clinical research in China, and empowering pharmaceutical companies to accelerate their entry into new stages of development.

Cipher Gene has published over 100 international academic papers, secured 153 patents and intellectual property rights, provided research and technical support to more than 2,000 clinicians, established partnerships with over 400 Grade A tertiary hospitals, and reached 90% of the children’s hospital customers in the terminal market. Upholding its mission to “make every child healthier,” Cipher Gene will continue to innovate toward China’s goals for the prevention and control of birth defects, working jointly to accelerate the accessibility of rare disease medications.

Chengdu Jinjiang Investment Development Group Co., Ltd. was established in May 2021 as a district-owned, wholly state-owned company approved by the Jinjiang District Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Jinjiang District People’s Government. With a registered capital of RMB 6.5 billion and total assets exceeding RMB 100 billion, the Group has been awarded an AAA credit rating for its main entity. Aligned with the high-quality development goal of building “Refined Jinjiang · Happy Urban District” and positioned as a “Modern Urban Comprehensive Operator,” the Group focuses on three core sectors: urban organic renewal, comprehensive area development, and the construction and operation of international business districts. It has actively expanded into emerging infrastructure, urban cultural tourism, urban industry, health and elderly care, artificial intelligence, and rural revitalization. The Group has undertaken major area development projects, including the organic renewal of the Sishengci area, the revitalization of East Street, the transformation and upgrading of Sansheng Flower Village, the Bailuwan Technology and Ecology Park, the First Ring Road Local Life Circle, and the Sichuan Normal University TOD. It has successfully created distinctive projects such as the “Four Trends” Special Bus Line, the “1.314 Love Line,” Huaxing Street Characteristic Block, the “Twelve Monthly Markets” Museum, and Chuntai Shijin. Additionally, it has developed market-oriented projects including Xingjin · Xintongyuan, No. 157 Hongxing Road, Phases I and II of the Jinjiang Cultural and Creative Industry Center, United Plaza, Jinjiang Shoufu, and Jinjiang Dayuan.

At the new stage, on the new journey, and in the new arena of reform and development for district-affiliated state-owned enterprises (SOEs), Chengdu Jinjiang Investment Development Group Co., Ltd. has overcome difficulties and seized opportunities to stride toward its goal of becoming a first-class urban comprehensive operator in the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin City Economic Circle. It is contributing SOE strength to the high-quality construction of “Refined Jinjiang · Happy Urban District” and to building a demonstration zone for park cities that practice the new development philosophy.

Zhongxi Fund focuses on early-stage investments in the healthcare and medical wellness sector, while strategically targeting mid-to-late stage projects in the digital economy and intelligent manufacturing. The team comprises seasoned investment banking professionals and industry experts, specializing in capital operations such as investment and mergers and acquisitions. With offices established in Hangzhou and Chengdu, Zhongxi Fund primarily covers the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region and Southwest China. Adhering to an industry-oriented approach in selecting investment targets, the fund leverages its extensive industrial resources to empower portfolio companies with follow-on financing, operational standardization, and industrial resource integration. This strategy aims to support the rapid growth of investee enterprises and establish Zhongxi Fund as a value creator in innovative industries.