Sage Biosciences Completes Tens of Millions RMB Series A Financing to Accelerate Industrialization of Novel Protein Microarray Technology Platform

Recently, Shanghai SAGABIO Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“SAGABIO”) announced the completion of its Series A financing round, raising tens of millions of yuan. The round was led by Zhangke Herun, a professional biomedical fund under Zhangjiang Sci-Tech Investment, with participation from other investors including Qingdao Zhenze Fund.

SAGABIO stated that following this round of financing, the company will accelerate the productization and commercialization of its independently developed, novel protein chip platform. By fostering deep collaborations with renowned hospitals, research institutions, antibody reagent suppliers, and clinical and scientific experts, SAGABIO aims to fully leverage the advantages of its solid-phase protein chip platform—including high throughput, multi-analyte simultaneous detection, and cost-effectiveness—to efficiently promote the application of this technology across various fields such as in vitro diagnostics and life sciences.

SAGABIO was established in April 2017 at the Zhangjiang Pharma Valley Incubator. The company’s core technical team has been dedicated for many years to the research, development, and industrialization of technologies such as solid-phase protein chips, novel biomaterials, and advanced instrument manufacturing. Leveraging independent innovation, SAGABIO has integrated specialized functional silicone membranes, near-infrared fluorescent labeling, and laser confocal scanning technologies to create a novel solid-phase protein chip detection platform. Compared with previous protein chip technologies, this platform features significant technological innovations in chip substrates, luminescent labels, and detection methods. As a result, the new technical platform has achieved qualitative leaps in detection sensitivity, accuracy, and ease of use, now comparable to single-analyte diagnostic reagents based on magnetic microparticles. With the promotion and application of its products, SAGABIO is poised to fundamentally transform industry experts’ traditional perceptions of solid-phase protein chips.

SAGABIO was among the first enterprises in Zhangjiang to participate in the Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) pilot program. With over 70% of its staff dedicated to R&D, the company outsources all manufacturing of its instruments and reagents. By concentrating its financial resources on research and development and clinical collaborations, SAGABIO operates as a typical asset-light company, which sets it apart from its peers.

Adhering to an international development strategy, the company has established a global presence and is concurrently pursuing product registration in China, the United States, and Europe. One instrument product has successfully obtained U.S. FDA registration and certification; one instrument product and three reagent products have secured EU CE certification. Domestic registration proceedings are advancing steadily, with one instrument product and two reagent products currently under regulatory review, and approval for market launch is expected within the year.

SAGABIO is building a robust product portfolio encompassing “general IVD reagents, clinical specialty testing reagents, and research-use testing reagents.” Upholding the philosophy that “biotechnology makes life better,” the company is committed to becoming an innovator and leader in solid-phase protein chip technology within the biotechnology sector, delivering high-quality products and services to its customers.

The Zhangke Herun Fund is managed by Zhangjiang Sci-Tech Investment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhangjiang Group, with the Pudong Science and Technology Innovation Fund of Funds serving as its cornerstone investor. The fund focuses primarily on innovative drugs, medical devices, and healthcare services. As Zhangjiang Group’s biomedical investment platform, the Zhangke Herun Fund leverages Zhangjiang’s industrial ecosystem and park resources to support the robust growth of high-quality, high-potential enterprises in the life and health sectors.