Zhishan Weixin Completes Over RMB 200 Million Series A+ Financing to Advance Genetic Disease Pipeline and Expand into Metabolism and Aging Therapies

Recently, gene therapy company Sichuan Real&Best Biotech Co., Ltd.(“R&B Bio” for short)Successfully completed over RMB 200 million in Series A+ financing. This round was led by SDIC Venture Capital, with participation from Panlin Capital and Chengdu Anxin Guosheng Microchip Pharmaceutical Health Equity Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership), among others. Previous investor Loyal Valley Capital continued to increase its investment. BMD Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor for this financing round.The proceeds from this round of financing will be primarily used to advance the clinical development of R&B Bio’s existing product pipelines, expand its preclinical pipeline, and strengthen and optimize the company’s talent team.

Sichuan Real&Best Biotech Co., Ltd. (R&B Bio), established in June 2018, is a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of first-in-class recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapies. The company holds multiple globally leading patents and technologies in high-efficiency gene expression cassette design and vector production optimization. Its pipeline covers various clinical indications across hematology, the central nervous system, and metabolic disorders.ZS801, the first independently developed in vivo gene therapy product for hemophilia B, received clinical trial approval in August 2022, making it the first domestically approved clinical-stage gene therapy product targeting an original indication for hemophilia B.Currently, clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of this product are being conducted at the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The first enrolled subject, who received treatment in March 2022, demonstrated a significant increase in plasma Factor IX (FIX) activity levels with sustained long-term expression, and follow-up assessments have indicated a favorable safety profile, underscoring its significant clinical relevance.

Since its inception, the company has established a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing the development of original rAAV gene therapy drugs, production platforms, and clinical translation, and has assembled a professional team comprising distinguished scientists and entrepreneurs.Professor Dong Biao, the founder, has been engaged in rAAV research for fifteen years and has achieved breakthrough progress in both gene therapy drug design and large-scale production. The company possesses a globally leading novel pox-adenovirus-based rAAV production system, which can significantly reduce production costs and further enhance the accessibility of gene therapies.The core team members possess extensive experience in gene therapy drug design, preclinical research, CMC development, GMP manufacturing, regulatory submissions, clinical trials, and operational management.

Professor Dong Biao, Founder of R&B BioIndicates:

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector-based gene therapies are a game-changer for hereditary and refractory serious diseases, holding the promise of a “one-shot cure.” R&B Bio is dedicated to original research and development, having established platforms for promoter selection, therapeutic gene optimization, and capsid screening and optimization, thereby covering all key elements of gene therapy drug development. To produce rAAV gene therapies affordable for Chinese patients, R&B Bio has established a 200L suspension 293 cell triple-plasmid transfection production platform and is currently developing a proprietary poxvirus-adenovirus production platform to further reduce costs. Currently, our high-potency Factor IX, developed in collaboration with Ruijin Hospital, has entered registrational clinical trials for the treatment of Hemophilia B. Our independently developed high-potency Factor VIII and compact liver-specific promoters are being utilized in investigator-initiated trials (IITs) for Hemophilia A. We extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed investors in the biopharmaceutical sector for their strong trust and robust support of R&B Bio. We will accelerate the advancement of our current clinical-stage projects and bring more original R&D programs targeting genetic disorders and refractory common diseases into clinical development.

Xu Li, Co-founder of R&B BioIndicates:

We are deeply honored to have earned the recognition and support of numerous leading investment partners in the biopharmaceutical sector, and we extend our sincere gratitude to our team for their innovation and execution capabilities. Although the development of novel gene therapies faces multiple challenges, the continuous market launch of gene therapies such as Roctavian and Hemgenix, the ongoing expansion of indications, cost reductions driven by technological maturity, and increasing insurance coverage will collectively contribute to a gradual decline in gene therapy drug prices, thereby benefiting a broader patient population. Since its inception, R&B Bio has remained focused on differentiated, source-level innovation. By leveraging genetic engineering technologies to enhance drug potency and optimizing viral vector manufacturing processes, we continuously reduce the biological costs of our therapeutics. Our vision is to accelerate the market entry of innovative gene therapies with superior efficacy and improved accessibility, thereby delivering benefits to patients worldwide as soon as possible.

SDIC Venture CapitalIndicates:

Gene therapies treat diseases at the genetic level, offering the potential to fundamentally cure conditions that are intractable to conventional treatments. They hold the promise of breakthrough therapeutic effects characterized by “single-dose administration with long-lasting efficacy, or even lifelong cures,” and represent a key strategic direction for China’s biopharmaceutical development under the 14th Five-Year Plan. Adhering to its mission of “serving national innovation strategies and focusing on the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements,” SDIC Venture Capital has made multi-faceted investments in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector, supporting rapid industry growth and ecosystem development. R&B Bio is committed to the mission of developing “gene therapies affordable to the Chinese population.” It has established an efficient, independently innovative domestic platform for recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapy research, development, and translation, integrating capabilities in basic research, gene therapy drug development, and clinical-grade recombinant virus manufacturing. Professor Dong Biao, the founder, has extensive research experience in gene therapy, particularly in hemophilia. The research progress and technological advantages achieved by R&B Bio under his leadership exemplify how Chinese scientists practice independent innovation and translate scientific achievements into tangible benefits for patients. We are delighted to welcome R&B Bio into the SDIC Venture Capital CGT ecosystem. We will fully leverage our platform advantages and connect industrial resources to support the company in reaching new heights.

Mr. Li Yuhui, Founding Managing Partner of Panlin CapitalIndicates:

“Gene therapy is a key focus of Panlin Capital’s early-stage investment strategy. Professor Dong Biao, founder of R&B Bio, has dedicated many years to the field of AAV gene therapy, accumulating extensive experience in both basic research and industrial translation. The company has established an R&D design platform for AAV gene therapy drugs and developed a domestically leading triple-plasmid production system, achieving full-chain coverage of AAV gene therapy drug development. The company’s R&D and production systems have been validated by its hemophilia B and A pipelines, which have entered clinical stages. We are pleased to invest in R&B Bio at this stage, and Panlin Capital looks forward to the company’s future progress in pipelines targeting metabolism, aging, and other indications.”

Loyal Valley CapitalIndicates:

As a validated novel therapeutic mechanism, gene therapy offers potentially revolutionary treatment options for a wide range of diseases. Loyal Valley Capital (LVC) holds strong confidence in R&B Bio’s team capabilities, technology platform, and pipeline strategy. Since our Series A investment, we have witnessed the company’s efficient operational growth and remarkable R&D breakthroughs. We are pleased to continue supporting the company’s financing in this round and look forward to its future development of best-in-class and first-in-class gene therapies addressing unmet clinical needs, thereby benefiting a broad patient population.

Anxin Guosheng Microchip FundIndicates:

Gene therapy using AAV vectors represents a potential therapeutic solution for diseases with significant unmet clinical needs, such as rare diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. This field holds immense development potential and is a key focus area for Anxin’s strategic layout. The company has deeply cultivated its AAV-based gene therapy business, establishing three core technology platforms that are at the forefront of the industry: the DR.AAV platform, which covers the entire chain of rAAV gene drug design; an animal model efficacy validation platform that supports the rapid advancement of multiple rAAV pipelines; and mature, highly efficient triple-plasmid and novel pox-adenovirus systems. Anxin will fully leverage its advantages to support the company’s growth. We are confident that, under the leadership of Dr. Dong and the core team, R&B Bio will become an industry benchmark in China’s gene therapy sector.

Mr. Yang Hao, Founder and Managing Partner of BMD CapitalIndicates:

“Gene therapy is a key area of focus for us, with cumulative financing exceeding $15 billion. Recently, the U.S. FDA approved Hemgenix, a gene therapy co-developed by uniQure and CSL Behring, priced at $3.5 million, making one-time curative treatment for hemophilia B a reality. R&B Bio possesses the DR.AAV technology platform, which covers the entire chain of rAAV gene drug design. Its lead pipeline targets hemophilia B and hemophilia A, featuring the naturally unique high-activity Factor IX “FIX Shanghai,” as well as Factor VIII with a fully packaged genome achieved through the world’s smallest promoter and expression framework. By utilizing the AAV5 serotype, which can cover more than 90% of hemophilia patients, the company has significantly enhanced the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of its gene therapies. BMD Capital is highly optimistic about the leadership and feasibility of R&B Bio’s team in the field of gene therapy and is committed to supporting their efforts to provide affordable advanced gene therapies to patients in China.”

SDIC Venture Capital, established in 2016, is a venture capital fund management company specially set up by State Development & Investment Corp. (SDIC) on a market-oriented basis. It was created to implement the national innovation-driven development strategy, deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Technology, and accelerate the transfer and commercialization of national scientific and technological achievements. Through platforms such as the National Science and Technology Major Project Achievement Transformation Fund, SDIC Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Scientific and Technological Achievement Transformation Fund, SDIC High-Tech (Shenzhen) Venture Capital Fund, SDIC (Ningbo) Scientific and Technological Achievement Transformation Fund, and SDIC (Guangdong) Scientific and Technological Achievement Transformation Fund, SDIC Venture Capital consistently focuses on investment in the transformation of scientific and technological achievements. It targets key sectors including advanced manufacturing, electronic information, biopharmaceuticals, and materials and energy. Aligning with national regional development strategies in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the company continuously promotes breakthroughs in independent innovation of core key technologies and builds a robust investment ecosystem for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.

Panlin Capital, established in 2010, is an early-to-mid-stage venture capital firm that focuses on the healthcare and To-B technology sectors. Operating under the theme of “technology-driven industrial upgrading,” it centers its investments on biotechnology and data intelligence applications.

In the biomedical sector, Panlin Capital leverages biotechnology to focus on investing in innovative biopharmaceutical companies developing novel therapies for major diseases, as well as enterprises driving the import substitution of high-end medical devices. Its early-stage portfolio includes biopharmaceutical firms such as Kangtai Biological Products (300601), Ribo Life Science, Shengnuoji, Apollomics, GenFleet Therapeutics, Affinivax, Cothera, ABM, Fuhongjian, Jianxin Biology, and Zhixin Haozheng; innovators applying multidisciplinary biotechnology integration (BT+IT) such as Codon Biotech and Liwensuo; and medical device and service providers including Hybribio (300639), Jinshi Biology, Antai Kangcheng, Yue'er Gene, TouchImaging, Hybribio Medical Laboratory, and 3N Technology.

Panlin Capital has established itself as a professional and influential technology venture capital firm specializing in biotechnology and data intelligence applications. Panlin Capital remains committed to its mission: “Identifying entrepreneurs among scientists, and empowering innovators among entrepreneurs.”

Loyal Valley Capital, established in 2015, has consistently adhered to the investment philosophy of “long-term orientation, focus, and altruism.” It is committed to building China’s premier investment research and post-investment management teams. By conducting in-depth industry research and providing proactive post-investment value-added services, Loyal Valley Capital partners with outstanding entrepreneurs to co-create great enterprises that represent the future growth direction of China’s economy and generate social value. Since its inception, Loyal Valley Capital has invested in a portfolio of leading companies that exemplify the future trajectory of China’s economic development, including Bilibili, ByteDance, POP MART, Junshi Biosciences, InnoCare Pharma, Akeso, CARsgen Therapeutics, Supcon Technology, CALB, Unisoc, Bayi Space, and Avary Holding.

Chengdu Anxin Guosheng Weixin Pharmaceutical Health Equity Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership) is a fund under Anxin Qianhong, the private equity investment subsidiary of Essence Securities. It was jointly established in March 2022 by Essence Securities, Chipscreen Biosciences, and Chengdu Tianfu International Bio-Town. The Anxin Guosheng Weixin Fund actively implements the national innovation-driven development strategy, focusing on frontier opportunities in the life and health industry. It primarily invests in high-quality projects in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors with strong market prospects and clinical value, building a strategic ecosystem of “capital + industry + government.” By fully leveraging the distinctive advantages of its partners, the fund provides diversified empowerment to portfolio companies, supporting the high-quality development of innovative enterprises.

BMD Capital is a leading financial services institution in China, specializing in the healthcare and wellness sector. Its team comprises seasoned industry experts and professional investment bankers who possess deep insights and judgment regarding the healthcare industry and business models. By directly addressing the complexities and structural challenges inherent in transactions, BMD Capital provides clients with specialized capital solutions, including financing, mergers and acquisitions, and technology transfer.