Beijing Biopharma Investment Roadshow Highlights Cutting-Edge Therapeutics and Fosters Capital-Industry Dialogue
Biopharmaceutical Project Investment and Financing Roadshow — Beijing Station was held on May 16 at the Fengda International Hotel in Beijing. The event was jointly organized by VCBeat, Qiantuhui Pharma, and Legend Capital. Focusing on the biopharmaceutical sector, it established a face-to-face communication platform for innovative drug companies and industrial capital, striving to showcase more innovative projects and present more diverse and authentic industry perspectives.
Suzhou Shi'an Dingtai Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd.(Development of an Innovative Oral KRAS G12D Inhibitor, Pre-A Round, RMB 30 Million Financing)
Baiyi Biotech(R&D of innovative drugs for the prevention of primary headaches and an AI-driven drug discovery platform based on multiple nanobodies; Angel round, RMB 30 million in financing)
Tianjin Purui Biotech(CDMO Services for Oral Delivery of Biologics Based on Amphiphilic Self-Assembling Proteins—Oral Insulin, Pre-A Round, Raising CNY 60 Million or Equivalent in USD)
Pharmakon Zhongtuo (Jiangsu) Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd.(Innovative drug R&D platform based on a targeted protein degradation molecular glue design platform and a unique barrier deuterated drug technology platform, Pre-A round, raising 100 million)
Wanfu Pharmaceutical(Antiviral Specialty API Intermediate CDMO, Series A, RMB 50 million in financing)
Shandong Medix Biotechnology Co., Ltd.(R&D of organoid-based bioactive corneal tissue using patient-derived autologous cell technology; Pre-A round; RMB 50 million raised)
Purisen Genomics(A live biotherapeutic company driven by dual technologies: microbiome big data-driven discovery of natural strains and synthetic biology-engineered strains; Pre-B round; RMB 100 million in financing)
Qiantuhui Pharma(Partner Fu Junrong’s Portfolio of Nearly 40 Innovative Drug and Medical Device Projects: RNA, PROTAC, Small- and Large-Molecule Innovative Drugs, Improved Drugs, TCM CXO, Synthetic Biology, Medical Aesthetics, and Brain-Computer Interfaces)
Nanjing Runtong Changda Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd.(Nepafenac Eye Drops, Series A, RMB 50 million in financing)
Biogen Jiayi(Q-switched pulsed iron laser medical aesthetic technology, Pre-A round, RMB 20 million in financing)
During the roundtable discussion, moderated by Zheng Yufen, founder of Yueyin Medical Fund, investors engaged in a dialogue centered on the themes of “the Past” and “the Future.”
At the outset of the dialogue, each investor discussed the industry changes they had observed over the past decade or so, drawing on their respective experiences.Zheng Yufen, Founder of Yueyin Medical Fund“It was noted that ‘the development of the pharmaceutical industry has shifted from the past era of “distribution is king” to the current era of “product is king,” and one’s ability to envision the future is proportional to their understanding of the past.’ After experiencing a relatively cool phase in 2022, the healthcare (innovative drug) sector has become more pragmatic in selecting financing projects from a capital market perspective. We also look forward to more pharmaceutical companies finding their own suitable paths through this round of survival of the fittest.”
A summary of key milestones derived from discussions with investors reveals that the domestic innovative drug sector evolved from “virtually nonexistent to gradually emerging” around 2015. Following policy adjustments between 2015 and 2018, the industry’s supporting infrastructure was established, leading to a substantial surge in truly innovative drugs. In recent years, however, the capital market for innovative drugs has entered a winter period, prompting companies to seek new pathways for growth.
Regarding the topic of “Future Industry Development,” investors shared their insightful perspectives.
Regarding the Development of China's Innovative Drugs in the Next 5-10 Years,Xi Yanbin, Partner at Cowin Capital Beijing Healthcare Fund“He stated: ‘Going global is an inevitable path for biopharmaceutical companies. During the alternating phase of broad market economic cycles and the upgrading and adjustment of the healthcare industry, pressure on pharmaceutical enterprises will be relatively high in the short term—specifically over the next two years—and investors will accordingly exercise caution. However, taking a long-term view across broader cycles, as China’s healthcare industry undergoes continuous market adjustments, its industrial structure will become healthier. The global expansion of leading domestic biopharmaceutical companies will gradually highlight the international influence of China’s pharmaceutical sector. Although the process will be lengthy, the long-term outlook is clear.’”
“Where do the common weaknesses of innovative pharmaceutical companies going global tend to emerge?”
Yin Zheng, Founding and Managing Partner of Sany InnovationHe stated, “Going global is an inevitable path for innovative pharmaceutical companies. However, the biopharmaceutical industry differs from other sectors; while products in certain other industries are substitutable, diseases and drugs know no borders—only drug license holders are bound by national boundaries. China’s market is sufficiently large and constitutes a key battleground for the global industry. Given their limited commercialization experience, new drug developers must clearly discern what they must retain control over and what they can let go of during their international expansion.”
“What do investors prioritize when selecting companies in a volatile market?”
Regarding this issue,Hu Bin, Managing Director of CCB Medical Growth FundIt is believed that “matching different projects with institutions whose investment preferences align precisely with their specific needs is highly beneficial for industrial development. Products in the early stages but with strong prospects can seek collaboration or M&A opportunities with industry players; products in Phase II or III clinical trials can target investment firms that favor growth-stage enterprises; and if a product is approaching or has already generated commercial revenue, it can seek funding from government-backed sources in addition to private equity (PE) firms.”
Dong Ao, Investment Manager at Legend CapitalSharing insights on this issue: “First, we must address unmet clinical needs—specifically those characterized by substantial demand and a certain degree of urgency. Second, while we remain committed to early-stage and innovative investments, novel ideas alone are insufficient; robust clinical data and demonstrable commercial value form the foundation of value investing.”
At the end of the roundtable,Zheng Yufen, Joy Capital Healthcare FundWe also sincerely offer some advice to healthcare entrepreneurs: “During the process of starting and running a business, investors can provide guidance and suggestions from a relatively macro perspective. Through this roundtable discussion, we hope to spark further dialogue. If you have any questions or different viewpoints, we encourage you to actively engage with your investor friends to exchange ideas!”
This roadshow has established a face-to-face communication platform, aiming to help innovative biomedical projects find suitable institutions and assist investors in identifying higher-quality opportunities. If you are interested in the aforementioned projects, please feel free to contact us!
Roadshow Project Matchmaking: 19946906780—VCBeat
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