Base Therapeutics Completes Tens of Millions of USD Series A1 Financing to Advance Proprietary Gene Editing Platforms and Off-the-Shelf Super-NK Cell Therapies

Recently,Base Therapeutics: A Global Leader in Base Editing and Prime EditingAnnounced CompletionCount$10 Million Series A1 Financing, led by Great Eagle VC from Hong Kong, with participation from Baidu Ventures, Xinxi Capital, Guangda Huitong, and UK-based SPARK VC, among others. Existing shareholder HighTide Fund continued to increase its investment, while China Renaissance served as the exclusive financial advisor. The proceeds from this financing round will be used to advance multiple base editing therapeutic pipelines, including off-the-shelf Super-NK products and in vivo gene editing therapies, into IND filing and clinical trial stages. The company will also continue to leverage its foundational patents in base editing and prime editing tools to continuously expand collaborative application scenarios. Following this financing round, Dr. James Zhang, Chief Investment Officer of Great Eagle VC, will join the Board of Directors of Base Therapeutics.

The founding team members of Base Therapeutics earned their PhDs from prestigious biomedical research institutions such as Stanford University School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. They each bring 20 to 30 years of experience in fields including gene editing, NK cells, immune cell R&D and CMC, operations management, clinical development, and financing. They have successfully led the IND and NDA processes for multiple immune cell therapy products in both China and the United States. Established in April 2021, the company secured nearly RMB 100 million in angel financing at its inception and possesses a series ofBase Editing(Base Editing) andPrime Editing(Patented technology for Prime Editing)Developed nearly 200 base editing tools, which can meet the needs of most application scenarios.

One of themThe core base editing technology boasts advantages such as "zero off-target" effects, high targeting efficiency, and a compact size., demonstrating significant advantages in enhancing the safety and efficacy of clinical applications for in vivo and ex vivo gene editing. Furthermore,This technology can be freely implemented in China, Europe, and the United States.(FTO, Freedom to Operate) is a veritableUnderlying Editing Technology. In addition, Base Therapeutics has also developed the most editing-efficientPrime Editing Technology. Base Therapeutics is continuing to optimize and develop new gene-editing technologies, while on the other handDeveloping universal off-the-shelf NK cell therapy products and in vivo gene editing therapies using proprietary base editing and prime editing technologies. Meanwhile, the company has licensed out its underlying base editing technology for FTO and is currently collaborating with two companies, one domestic and one international, to develop gene editing products in different fields.

Gene editing technology is widely applied in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and animal husbandry, synthetic biology, and other fields. However, without proprietary gene-editing foundational technologies that ensure freedom to operate (FTO), or without obtaining patent licenses for the relevant editing technologies, commercialization of products is not feasible. Moreover, the threshold for securing licenses from institutions such as the Broad Institute or UC Berkeley for the development of clinical gene-editing products is becoming increasingly high. Not only are the licensed geographical regions and indications narrowing, but licensees may also be required to pay tens of millions of US dollars in upfront fees, hundreds of millions in milestone payments, and royalties exceeding 10%.

To date, Base Therapeutics has filed for and licensed more than ten patents covering base editing and prime editing technologies, with several already granted. This has enabled the company to establish a comprehensive patent portfolio for its gene-editing platform, positioning it as one of the few companies worldwide that hold proprietary patents on foundational gene-editing tools.

In the clinical application of gene editing technologies, regulatory authorities such as the FDA and NMPA are most concerned about off-target risks, explicitly requiring that off-target effects of clinical gene editing products be minimized to the lowest possible level. However, DNA double-strand breaks induced by CRISPR/Cas9 during the editing process can lead to chromosomal structural abnormalities and insertion-deletion (INDEL) mutations. Although traditional base editing does not cause DNA double-strand breaks, it can result in hundreds to thousands of point mutations and small INDEL off-target effects on both DNA and RNA. Base Therapeutics’ “zero off-target” base editing technology, licensed from ShanghaiTech University, was invented by Professor Huang Xingxu, a leading figure in the field of gene editing. This technology has currently been validated in multiple in vivo and in vitro systems for its “zero off-target” profile and highly efficient targeted editing. Therefore,Base Therapeutics' editing technology offers significant advantages in terms of safety for clinical applications.。

On the solid foundation of its core editing tools, Base Therapeutics has begun constructing various “skyscrapers.” The first skyscraper is PBMC-derived base editing/prime editingOff-the-Shelf NK Cell Therapy Product (Super-NK)Advancing gene editing/base editing toward clinical application, NK cells represent the safest therapeutic scenario, a determination dictated by their biological specialization in eliminating aberrant cells.Professor Zhu Shiguo, Scientific Founder of Base TherapeuticsDuring his postdoctoral tenure at MD Anderson Cancer Center, he began researching NK cells and has focused on NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy for over 16 years. He pioneered the breakthrough in overcoming obstacles to in vitro expansion of NK cells on the international stage and is recognized as one of China’s leading experts in the NK cell field. Base Therapeutics’ flagship Super-NK productEntered the IIT clinical trial phase last year, isOne of the world's first base editing products to enter clinical researchBase Therapeutics is concurrently developing a portfolio of Super-NK products tailored to distinct indications, addressing critical unmet clinical needs in solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and viral infections.

The second building isIn Vivo Base Editing Products. Base Therapeutics utilizes its independently developed delivery system to deliver "zero off-target" base editors, achieving highly efficient targeted editing, and is currently conducting preclinical studies.IND Expected Next Year。

The third pillar leverages the advanced nature of Base Therapeutics’ patent-protected underlying editing tools to actively expand its reach.New Opportunities for Technology Licensing or Collaborative Development with External EnterprisesBase Therapeutics has partnered with a leading U.S. hematopoietic stem cell company to establish a joint venture, leveraging Base’s base editing technology to edit hematopoietic stem cells for the treatment of severe genetic diseases.

Dr. Xu Tianhong, Founder of Base TherapeuticsStatement: We extend our sincere gratitude to both new and existing investors for their recognition and support of Base Therapeutics. Since its establishment over a year ago, the company has achieved rapid growth, assembling a team with extensive expertise in gene editing and NK cell R&D, cell product manufacturing, process development, QA/QC, and clinical research. Additionally, we have established a GMP-compliant production facility in Jinqiao, Pudong, Shanghai, capable of supporting registrational clinical trials and early-stage commercial production. The company’s first base editing product has entered investigator-initiated trial (IIT) clinical studies. Leveraging this round of financing, we aim to further accelerate the upgrade of our technology platform, drive rapid clinical development of our first-in-class (FIC) innovative products, and expedite the clinical application and global expansion of our cell and gene editing therapies.

Dr. James Zhang, Chief Investment Officer of Great Eagle VCStatement: Gene editing technology offers vast application potential, bringing hope to the treatment of human genetic diseases and innovative anti-cancer cell therapies. Base Therapeutics possesses independent intellectual property rights and precise, highly efficient gene editing tools. We are honored to lead this financing round and firmly believe that the Base Therapeutics team will make greater contributions to the advancement of gene editing and patient care.

BV Baidu Ventures Vice President of Investment, An FengStatement: Base Therapeutics is a company strategized around developing novel therapeutic products through integrated innovative technologies. In terms of technology platforms, the company owns two proprietary platforms—base editing and primary immune cell engineering—achieving global freedom to operate (FTO) for key gene-editing technologies and overcoming industrialization bottlenecks in the clinical translation of primary cell-based products. Regarding product development, the company leverages the advantages of base editing tools over traditional viral vectors in cell modification, as well as their ability to meet more precise targeting requirements for in vivo applications. It is developing ex vivo cell therapy and in vivo gene therapy products for various indications, which have initially demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety, placing the company at the forefront of the industry. Baidu Ventures is highly optimistic about the company’s future prospects and will continue to support its technology translation efforts to maximize clinical value.

Huang Weiting, Partner at Xinxi CapitalIt is stated that Base Therapeutics is a rare and excellent team dedicated to genuine source innovation, possessing globally leading foundational gene-editing capabilities. The company boasts technical advantages such as high editing efficiency and “zero off-target” effects, along with patents ensuring global freedom to operate (FTO). Furthermore, the first clinical application scenario chosen by Base Therapeutics—base-edited universal NK cell (Super-NK) therapy—holds broad market prospects in the fields of both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Leveraging the company’s profound understanding and extensive experience in the NK cell domain, we believe that Base Therapeutics is well-positioned to truly deliver a low-cost, broad-spectrum, safe, and effective off-the-shelf universal innovative cell therapy.

Wang Shiyi, Investment Director at Guangda HuitongIt was stated that gene editing and cell therapy have demonstrated significant potential in the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases, garnering widespread attention from the industry. Base Therapeutics holds foundational patents for base editing and prime editing, and has leveraged its gene editing technologies to rapidly develop several highly promising NK cell product pipelines. Guangda Huitong has consistently focused on foundational innovations in the healthcare sector and is delighted to partner with Base Therapeutics, supporting the company’s growth into a global gene editing platform and expanding the application of gene editing technologies across broader fields.

William Lu, Partner at SPARK VC, UKBase Therapeutics: Its patriotic team of returnees focuses on the independent R&D of core technologies in base editing and prime editing, has established a comprehensive patent portfolio, participates in building national security capabilities in the biotechnology sector, and holds significant development potential.

Mr. Xie Yijing, Co-President of the Investment Banking Division at China RenaissanceStatement: Gene editing and gene therapy are not only the core arenas of global biotechnological innovation in recent years, but also constitute foundational patented biotechnologies that represent critical strategic chokepoints. Chinese enterprises have been striving to break through foreign patent blockades and establish their own proprietary patent barriers in gene editing. We are delighted to partner with Base Therapeutics. We firmly believe that the company’s base editing and prime editing technology platforms will lead foundational innovations in next-generation gene editing tools globally. We also look forward to the company’s multiple pipelines—built upon highly efficient and safe editing technologies combined with distinctive indication selection—achieving rapid clinical breakthroughs to benefit more patients.

Great Eagle VC is the venture capital fund under Hong Kong’s Great Eagle Holdings. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China, it invests globally and is committed to building a comprehensive investment service platform that provides entrepreneurs with both funding and post-investment support. It aims to be a trusted capital partner for technology companies dedicated to benefiting humanity and transforming the world. Its investment sectors include biotechnology, medical technology, artificial intelligence and deep tech, robotics and automation, chips/semiconductors, enterprise software, sustainable technology, and green energy.

Baidu Ventures is an independent venture capital firm initiated by Baidu Group, with three funds in USD and RMB totaling over $700 million. Baidu Ventures primarily focuses on early-stage pioneer companies in emerging technologies, dedicating its efforts to key areas such as healthcare and livelihoods, intelligent transportation, and technology extension. Leveraging the strong support and resource sharing of Baidu Group, Baidu Ventures has strategically deployed its investments in the field of artificial intelligence. Its current investment portfolio covers new energy vehicles, life sciences, enterprise services, smart cities, Web 3.0, and XR hardware and software devices.

Xinxi Capital was founded in 2015. As an insight-driven, precision investor in hard technology, it seeks long-term value investment opportunities during China’s economic transition toward high-quality development driven by technological innovation. Xinxi Capital focuses on two major sectors: pan-life sciences and semiconductors. It partners with ambitious yet pragmatic entrepreneurs to fulfill its mission of “making the world more efficient and life healthier.”

Beijing Guangda Huitong Engineering Technology Research Institute serves as the secretariat unit of the Zhongguancun Rongxin Financial Informatization Industry Alliance. Together with Jian Guang Assets and Zhilu Capital, it forms the alliance’s core investment platform, primarily focusing on market opportunities in strategic emerging sectors such as cutting-edge international integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G communications, and general health, as well as tracking the latest developments in the financial industry. Guangda Huitong has established in-depth collaborations with Tsinghua University’s Hospital Management Institute, Huajin Capital, Taiwanese consortia, and prominent U.S. biomedical investment institutions, with a particular emphasis on innovative drugs and medical devices.

UK-based SPARK VC is a leading European professional venture capital management firm specializing in investments in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies. It manages funds from institutional investors including the Magdalen College Fund at the University of Oxford, Prudential Insurance, European government investment funds, and GE Capital.