Akonni Bio Secures Tens of Millions in RMB Financing from Shicui Capital to Advance Spatial and Functional Proteomics into Clinical Applications for Precision Oncology

VCBeat has learned that Aikefa (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Aikefa Bio”) has recently completed a financing round worth tens of millions of RMB. This round was exclusively invested by Shicui Capital. The funds will be primarily used to further advance the clinical translation of spatial proteomics-based assessment of the tumor immune microenvironment, as well as the research and development of functional proteomics solutions, along with the development and promotional layout for their application in clinical scenarios. Huanghe Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor for this round.

Regarding this round of investment,Peng Zuofu, Founder of Aikefa Biotechnology"Spatial proteomics refers to the in situ protein expression profiles of different cell types and functional regions within tissues. By integrating spatial information, cell type information, and proteomic data, it enables a deeper understanding of the tissue spatial microenvironment, more accurately reflects specific cellular functions and states, and facilitates the discovery of more precise biomarkers and novel functional mechanisms."

In recent years, life sciences and biotechnology have witnessed rapid global advancement. Spatial proteomics has achieved remarkable progress in elucidating the microenvironment, disease progression, underlying mechanisms, and drug targets. It has played a pivotal role in the research and application of complex diseases, particularly in tumor immunology, neurological disorders, and developmental conditions. These advances are further reshaping our understanding of biological complexity and bringing spatial proteomics to an inflection point for clinical translation and application. We have good reason to believe that spatial proteomics will become a key tool in precision medicine and will see widespread clinical adoption in the coming years.

Aikefa Biotechnology is honored to have gained the recognition of Shicui Capital, a renowned medical investment institution. We will remain steadfast in advancing the clinical translation and application of spatial and functional proteomics, striving diligently in the field of precision medicine. With the support of Shicui Capital, “Aikefa Biotechnology” is confident that our innovative technologies will promote the development and progress of precise tumor diagnosis and healthcare in China.”

Dr. Ning Chenxi, Shicui CapitalHe stated, “Spatial proteomics technologies, such as multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry, serve as key tools for evaluating tumor immunotherapy. Their commercial value has been continuously validated in recent years within the fields of drug development and clinical diagnostics. In the long term, due to their multi-target and high-sensitivity characteristics, multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry is more likely to become the direction of technological iteration in the important sector of clinical pathological diagnosis. We are honored to collaborate with the Aikefa team and are deeply impressed by the excellent customer reputation that Aikefa Biotechnology has garnered during its business expansion. Although the multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry platform holds significant commercial potential, the maturity of its commercial application relies on collaborative exploration and efficient synergy between upstream and downstream partners. We believe that a company dedicated to product quality and attentive to customer needs can continue to lead the wave in this direction.”

“Aikefa Biotechnology” was established in 2018 and is headquartered in Beijing. Its core team members are all graduates of renowned universities both in China and abroad, possessing extensive experience in the development of spatial and functional omics products as well as clinical translation. As a high-tech enterprise specializing in the clinical translation and application of spatial proteomics and functional proteomics, and dedicated to advancing personalized precision medicine in China, “Aikefa Biotechnology” is committed to providing patients with personalized precision diagnostics, drug efficacy evaluation, and prognosis monitoring through innovative immunoassay technologies. The company has obtained numerous qualifications and honors, including recognition as a National High-Tech Enterprise, Zhongguancun High-Tech Enterprise, ISO 9001 system certification, GMP system certification, Intellectual Property Quality System certification, and designation as an Intellectual Property Pilot Unit.

Although spatial and functional proteomics have played a crucial role in the research and application of complex diseases such as tumor immunity, neurological disorders, and developmental conditions, there is currently a lack of unified, holistic, and comprehensive solutions tailored to different application scenarios and workflows in China. This is an urgent issue to be addressed for clinical translation and application, while also providing excellent opportunities for the development of Aikefa Biotechnology. As the first company in China to engage in the R&D and promotion of spatial and functional proteomics, Aikefa Biotechnology is committed to achieving a unified, holistic, and comprehensive solution through innovative independent research and development. Meanwhile, the company has introduced internationally advanced technological platforms for spatial and functional proteomics, including staining and labeling platforms, scanning and imaging platforms, and data analysis platforms, offering one-stop services to help customers resolve all issues related to labeling, imaging, and data analysis throughout the entire process.

The AlphaTSA® Multiplex IHC Kit is one of the proprietary kits with fully independent intellectual property rights developed by Aikefa Biotechnology. In July 2022, the AlphaTSA 7-plex kit became the first product in China to obtain IVD certification, marking a significant step forward in its clinical translation and application. Meanwhile, Aikefa Biotechnology has achieved technological innovations in spatial proteomics, particularly in multiplex/ultra-multiplex labeling, imaging, and analysis, successfully enabling cross-sample type applications and undergoing progressive commercialization.

In the future, “Aikefa Biotech” will remain true to its original mission, advancing the development and progress of precision medicine in China through innovative technologies and products, and illuminating the light of life with innovation.

Shicui Capital was founded by seasoned healthcare investment professionals, dedicated to building a premier brand in early-stage healthcare investing. It empowers exceptional entrepreneurs who master emerging technologies and possess industry consolidation capabilities to launch their ventures, driving innovation and transformation in China’s future healthcare industry while delivering tangible investment returns.