Eleven Leading Organizations Unite to Propel CGT Industry Advancement at Suzhou BioBAY Event

“One person can run fast, but a group can go further.”

On the afternoon of January 24, jointly hosted by HIEA, Hangzhou Xingcheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yeasen, LePure Introduction, Austar Group, VectorBuilder, Life Biosciences, and Legend Capital; organized by VCBeat New Medicine; and supported by Suzhou BioBAY and BioTOP【No Rat Race, Go Further】 The 4th Stop of the CGT Industry Upgrade Series · Park Tour Event Held at Suzhou BioBAY

This initiative is jointly launched by a consortium of leading enterprises focused on the CGT industry chain. It aims to pool diverse strengths and unlock potential by continuously innovating and optimizing equipment configurations, sourcing premium raw materials, supplying high-efficiency, high-quality consumables, and meticulously designing and implementing advanced process workflows alongside rigorous and precise testing methodologies. Through these multifaceted approaches, the initiative provides comprehensive empowerment and drive for product R&D and industrial upgrading among innovative CGT pharmaceutical companies.

Xingcheng Biotech Business & MarketingVice President&Dr. Liu Xiao, Deputy Director of the MAH Special Committee of the China Pharmaceutical Enterprise Management AssociationServing as the moderator for this event, I facilitated in-depth exchanges and discussions spanning multiple dimensions, including industry investment and financing trends, CMC optimization, and industrialization development. The event went beyond one-way information dissemination, featuring a dynamic atmosphere marked by frequent interactions and lively discussions. Guests actively shared their insights, making the on-site ambiance highly vibrant.

▲ Liu Xiao | Vice President of Business and Marketing at Xingcheng Biotechnology, Deputy Director of the MAH Special Committee of the China Pharmaceutical Enterprise Management Association

VectorBuilder, Deputy General Manager of Technology, Ye Zhisheng

“Three Key Points in CGT Drug Development: Overcoming Bottlenecks, Reducing Costs, and Improving Efficiency.”

Key Takeaways: Dr. Ye Zhisheng pointed out that while there is substantial demand for vectors in research applications, the highly personalized nature of these vectors poses challenges to commercialization, resulting in inconsistent quality among DIY vectors produced by some laboratories. As a global leader in intelligent gene vector design and manufacturing, VectorBuilder has played a pivotal role in this field. By providing highly customized vector design services and automated construction solutions, and leveraging its platform technologies and IND (Investigational New Drug) application experience, VectorBuilder has significantly shortened the timeline for researchers and small biotech companies—from design and development to obtaining IND approval—while ensuring the stability of manufacturing processes and adherence to quality standards.

▲ Ye Zhisheng | VectorBuilder, Deputy Chief Technology OfficerGeneral Manager

Moderated by Dr. Liu Xiao, with Li Junhui, Vice President of Production at Xingcheng Biotechnology; Tan Guosheng, Key Account Director at Yeasen; Yuan Jun, Head of BioService at LePure and CTO at Kangsheng Biotechnology; Wang Jiewu, Technical Application Director at Hong Kong Austar Group; and Gao Jinquan, Deputy General Manager of Life Biosciences and General Manager of the Large Animal Model Development Department,Ye Zhisheng, Deputy General Manager of VectorBuilderExpand the discussion.

First, on the core topic of “Stability,” participants shared case studies to demonstrate how robust process development and production management expertise can ensure that every stage from R&D to market launch meets high standards, while also assisting client companies in successfully completing regulatory submission processes.

Secondly, under the theme of “Speed,” the focus is on accelerating customer product validation and commercialization. Supply chain companies propose starting from customers’ actual needs to provide customized services, helping them reach key regulatory approval milestones more quickly. For example, some companies have significantly shortened project cycles and reduced material costs by optimizing their supply chains and implementing domestic substitution strategies, enabling rapid regulatory filings for multiple projects.

Finally, in terms of “saving,” cost reduction is a key objective of the collaboration between both parties. Through technological R&D and improvements in production processes, material costs can be significantly reduced. Collaboration among supply chain enterprises is also being strengthened, further helping Party A save costs and improve economic efficiency through measures such as centralized procurement and resource sharing.

▲Panel 1 — How to Join Forces to Help CGT Companies Navigate from IND to BLA with Stability, Speed, and Cost Efficiency?

iCell BioscienceCTOLiang Zhuo, Xiatong BioCEOGuo Ying, Abogen BiosciencesVice PresidentGao Peng, Yuan Jun (Head of BioService at LePure and CTO of Kangsheng Biotechnology), Li Junhui (Vice President of Science and Technology Production at Xingcheng Biotechnology), and Tan Guosheng (Director of Key Accounts at Yeasen), engaged in profound discussions.

Three innovative enterprises emphasized the importance of rapid product launches to seize first-mover advantage in the market. However, they also pointed out that “speed” should not be pursued without limits; excessive haste may lead to unstable processes and compromised quality, much like a vehicle speeding out of control. In the course of R&D and industrialization, stable manufacturing processes and high-quality products form the foundation for long-term success, just as a tall building requires a solid foundation.

Three supply chain enterprises shared how they leverage extensive experience and systematic approaches to strike a balance across key stages—from molecular construction and manufacturing to quality control—ensuring that clients’ demands for speed are met while maintaining product stability and regulatory compliance. For instance, selecting partners with specialized technical expertise can help clients efficiently complete method development. Meanwhile, in terms of cost reduction, supply chain companies are committed to achieving true cost leadership by scaling up production and optimizing technologies, thereby lowering costs without compromising quality.

While pursuing “speed,” “stability” serves as the cornerstone of the supply chain and the industry at large, whereas “cost-efficiency” is a key strategy for continuously enhancing competitiveness. It is essential to seek an optimal cost structure while ensuring product quality. Both parties jointly call for establishing a closer partnership, committed to resolving supply chain challenges through technological innovation and service upgrades, thereby promoting the high-quality development of the biopharmaceutical industry.

▲Panel 2 — Discussing Industrial Upgrading: Key CMC Considerations and Solutions for Gene and Cell Therapies

Wang Haotian, Vice President of Investment at Legend Capital

““In cold weather, huddling together for warmth will surely usher in spring.””

Key Highlights: Since 2017, China’s investment in innovative drugs has reached the hundred-billion-yuan level, significantly enhancing new drug R&D efficiency. The IND application cycle has been shortened from 40–50 months to as little as 18 months. Improved infrastructure has supported this achievement, propelling China into the global first tier in the biopharmaceutical sector. With distinct advantages in cost, speed, and quality, China has attracted multinational corporations to recognize the quality and innovative capabilities of its products through collaborations.

In the face of an industry winter, practitioners should leverage China’s advantages in its full industrial chain, particularly the strong resilience demonstrated by service providers such as CROs and CDMOs. Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) is a key future focus with a relatively high success rate; however, Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) standards must be elevated to ensure regulatory approval for market launch. The authenticity of product data is crucial to industry development, and it is noted that stringent drug approval systems safeguard the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals. The case of Legend Biotech reveals that China’s CGT industry is gradually earning international trust and, through continuous optimization, is poised to play a more significant role on the global stage. It is recommended that all stakeholders in the ecosystem jointly address challenges, share resources, build a tightly integrated collaborative supply chain, and collectively welcome the industry’s resurgence.

▲ Wang Haotian | Vice President of Investment, Legend Capital

Bronson Koh, Assistant to the President of ETANA / Head of Business Development, China Region

Key Highlights: The total population of the Southeast Asian market is nearly 670 million, with Indonesia being the largest market in the region at 278 million people, accounting for a 40% share. The second-tier countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam) have stable economies and considerable GDP growth, and they account for 80% of the Southeast Asian healthcare market, providing excellent opportunities for Chinese pharmaceutical companies to expand overseas. Although the market size of these countries is only 20% of China's healthcare market, they are growing rapidly and have huge potential, especially the Indonesian market, which is approximately $10 billion in scale.

Bronson emphasized that, in terms of drug market access and regulation, Southeast Asia accepts the Chinese product development model with local adaptations. New drug registration typically takes two to three years, but the review cycle can be shortened by collaborating with enterprises familiar with the local regulatory environment. Additionally, some ASEAN countries require a manufacturing country review for new drugs not yet approved locally, and high-quality documentation compliant with international standards can significantly reduce approval time.

▲Bronson Koh | Assistant to the President/Head of BD, China Region at ETANA (Online Sharing)

Daoji GeneticsCEOZhao Piming, Huiliao BiotechCTOZhao Lixiang, Wei Jiye (Chairman and Founder of Weiyoo Gene), Hu Rongkuan (Chairman and CEO of Xingrui Pharma), and the moderator from Legend CapitalVice PresidentWang HaotianSharing on the Topic of “Making Money and Spending Money”

Innovative enterprises should focus on the U.S. and European markets, but may also consider alternative pathways by exploring other markets, such as Southeast Asia and the Arab world. Response strategies for cell and gene therapy (CGT) companies under the new landscape include strengthening supply chain management, enhancing the core value of technological platforms, and securing financing. The importance of technical development and technological platforms is emphasized, with a note that companies must maintain innovation and flexibility to adapt to evolving market demands.

Furthermore, it is essential to leverage various resources, including government policies and financial investments, to boldly articulate business strategies and ensure every dollar is spent wisely. Finally, the participants emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication, asserting that only through such efforts can the CGT field advance and progress.

▲Panel 3 — How Can CGT Companies Effectively “Raise and Spend Capital” in the New Landscape?

With this, the fourth stop of the “【No Need to Rat Race, Go Further】 CGT Industry Upgrade Series · Park Tour” has successfully concluded! The event facilitated greater interconnectivity, resource sharing, and in-depth collaboration among enterprises. VCBeat New Medicine will continue to collaborate with industry chain partners to host a series of events. Please stay tuned, and we hope to see you again at future events as we work together to go further!

▲ Group Photo of Guests

▲ Highlights