Kaiyue Life Secures Tens of Millions RMB in Pre-A Financing with Riemann Hypothesis as Exclusive Financial Advisor

VCBeat has learned that Shenzhen Kaiyue Life Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Kaiyue Life” or the “Company”), which possesses the globally unique RNA helicase drug target and drug R&D platform (KY-T&D Platform) capable of developing first-in-class (FIC) broad-spectrum solid tumor drugs with independent intellectual property rights worldwide, has announced the completion of its Pre-A financing round amounting to tens of millions of RMB. This round was led by a renowned family office fund, with Riemann Hypothesis continuing to serve as the exclusive financial advisor for this financing. The proceeds will be primarily used for platform construction, advancing core pipeline candidates to Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in both China and the United States, and the development of other pipeline assets.

Kaiyue Life, established in March 2016, is an innovative company deeply focused on the RNA helicase family and dedicated to developing first-in-class (FIC) drugs with broad-spectrum activity against solid tumors.The company possesses a globally unique RNA helicase drug target and drug development platform (KY-T&D Platform), capable of developing RNA helicase drug targets with high druggability and high tumor specificity, thereby enabling the development of various safe, effective, and broad-spectrum drugs for solid tumors against different drug targets. Deeply engaged in the field of RNA helicases, the company is a pioneer in RNA helicase research and development. Leveraging its independently developed KY-T&D Platform, the company has developed a series of RNA helicase drug targets,It has resolved a major industry pain point in current oncology drug R&D—the limitations of drug targets (DNA targets lack tumor specificity and have poor safety profiles; RNA targets are prone to degradation and pose significant R&D challenges; conventional protein targets are highly restricted). As a pioneer in the development of RNA helicase-targeted therapeutics, it demonstrates absolute leading advantages, which have been highly recognized by the investment community.

Shenzhen Kaiyue Life Technology Co., Ltd. was founded by a team of former professors from the Southern University of Science and Technology. The company’s core team comprises top-tier R&D experts from both industrial and academic sectors in China and abroad. With professional experience at leading biopharmaceutical companies in China and the United States, the team is a pioneer in the global field of RNA helicase research. Having dedicated decades to the R&D of RNA helicases, they have published dozens of high-impact papers, accounting for a substantial share of the world’s scientific output in this field.Currently, in the field of RNA helicases, Kaiyue Life has no direct competitors and stands as the only company of its kind globally. Leveraging its globally unique RNA helicase drug target and drug development platform (the KY-T&D Platform), the company will continuously develop first-in-class (FIC) drugs with broad-spectrum activity against solid tumors, addressing unmet clinical needs.

Dr. Zhang Yandong, Founder of Kaiyue Life“The company expresses its sincere gratitude to the strong and professional founding team for their sustained efforts, and to our investors for their steadfast support and trust. The successful completion of this funding round is a full recognition of the company’s operational capabilities and the development potential of its technology platform. As a major component of the human genome, RNA mediates the decoding process from DNA to proteins. RNA helicases, which function as kinases in the RNA field, exhibit diverse functionalities and represent promising new targets for oncology drug development. Leveraging its independently developed RNA helicase target identification and drug discovery platform, the company will continue to develop first-in-class (FIC) broad-spectrum anti-solid tumor drugs that are high-quality, affordable, safe, and effective, addressing clinical needs and industry pain points, thereby positioning itself as a pioneer in the field of RNA helicase-targeted therapeutics.”

Head of a Prominent Family Foundationstated: “We are delighted to participate in Kaiyue Life’s Pre-A round of financing. The RNA helicase family comprises more than 60 members within the human genome, which are extensively involved in RNA metabolic processes. Certain members play pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. Compared with traditional drug targets, RNA helicases represent a class of broad-spectrum therapeutic targets, as they constitute essential pathways for cellular physiological activities, offering substantial development potential. The team at Shenzhen Kaiyue Life Technology Co., Ltd. boasts profound technical expertise and industry resources in the field of RNA helicases, along with extensive management experience in large-scale industrial production. We firmly believe in Kaiyue Life’s sustained rapid growth in the future and look forward to the early market launch of its products, thereby benefiting patients worldwide.”

AsExclusive Financial Advisor for This Round of Financing，Dr. Li Chaoxing, Chairman of the Riemann HypothesisIt stated: “Instead of blindly chasing market trends by developing drugs against popular targets, the Kaiyue team has taken a unique approach by deeply cultivating the field of RNA helicases. RNA helicases are dysregulated in various cancers, promoting tumorigenesis and progression, and thus hold significant potential as broad-spectrum drug targets. Since the previous round of financing, the Kaiyue team has continuously refined its technology and platform, gradually establishing a comprehensive R&D platform for RNA helicase targets and therapeutics. This has enabled the creation of a closed-loop technical chain spanning from target validation to drug development and manufacturing. Leveraging its globally unique, independently developed platform, the company plans to identify a series of RNA helicase drug targets and develop multiple safe, effective, and broad-spectrum first-in-class (FIC) anti-solid tumor drugs for each target, offering substantial growth potential.”

Riemann Hypothesis, founded by Dr. Li Chaoxing upon his return to China from the United States in 2018, is an [institutionalized industrial innovation complex] focused on the [early-stage] life sciences sector. Adhering to its original mission of collaborating with scientist-entrepreneurs who possess global vision, profound insights, and ambitious aspirations to shape the future together, it is dedicated to providing early-stage investment and “fully managed” industrial operational incubation for [original and pioneering] early-stage biomedical projects worldwide. It has fully established its own independent [institutionalized incubation] system, breaking through the limitations of traditional technology transfer, venture capital investment, and boutique investment banking.