Igniting a New Dawn in Gene Editing: Vilight Genomics Completes Nearly RMB 100 Million Series Angel Financing

VCBeat (WeChat: vcbeat) learned at the earliest opportunity that, in recent days,Glimmer Gene (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Glimmer Gene”)Announcement of CompletionNearly RMB 100 Million in Angel Round Financing, this round of financing was led by a professional investment institution in the life sciences sectorApricot CapitalLead investor, with the funds raised to be primarily used forRapid Advancement of the Company’s Drug PipelineandResearch and Development of Novel Gene Editing Platforms。

In recent years, the field of gene editing has achieved continuous breakthroughs in foundational methodologies and tool development, demonstrating therapeutic potential for rare and refractory diseases in clinical settings and gradually transitioning from basic research to clinical application. Established in Suzhou in 2021, Weiguang Gene leverages the development of novel gene editing tools and cell and gene therapies as its cornerstone, dedicating itself to the research, development, and industrialization of next-generation gene editing technologies. The company’s team possesses extensive expertise in gene editing, protein science, aging, and rare diseases. It is among the earliest teams globally to explore the application of CRISPR gene editing technology in the treatment of genetic disorders and has identified several key proteins and signaling pathways in the field of aging.

The Weiguang Gene team has accumulated profound foundational innovation capabilities in the field of gene editing. In 2015, it achieved the world’s first correction of β-thalassemia-causing mutations via gene modification at the embryonic level.Professor Song Yangzhou, Founder and Chief Scientist of the CompanyAs one of the first batch of high-level talent experts, he formerly served as the Dean of a renowned School of Life Sciences in China. He has made multiple world-class, original contributions in the fields of molecular cytology, protein science, and aging-related research. With extensive expertise in gene editing, he has led his R&D team to develop several novel editors and safety assessment technology platforms with independent intellectual property rights. The team will continue to iterate and accumulate expertise in the development of novel gene editing tools and delivery systems based on clinical needs.

The core team members have undergone years of collaboration, sharing a proven track record of successful joint ventures. They work in seamless synergy with aligned objectives. The team comprises multiple senior scientists and management professionals with extensive experience in corporate operations and capital management, demonstrating exceptional execution capabilities and competitiveness.

The company’s product pipeline exclusively utilizes novel gene-editing tools, achieving international leadership in safety and therapeutic efficacy. Multiple product candidates are advancing through preclinical development in a synchronized, rapid, and efficient manner, placing the company at the forefront of the industry. Several of these candidates possess global scarcity, with the first candidate expected to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for clinical trials in 2023.

Dr. Song Yangzhou, Founder of Weiguang GeneHe stated, “We are deeply grateful for the trust and steadfast support of Apricot Capital. Gene editing is a methodology with breakthrough value, holding ultimate potential in addressing human health challenges. We aim to leverage our team’s innovative capabilities in molecular cell biology and protein science, as well as our translational expertise in cell and gene therapies, to develop more technologies and products that benefit patients, driven by a spirit of continuous innovation and courage. We believe that in the future, gene editing and cell and gene therapies will not only help alleviate patients’ suffering but also enable immune system regeneration and delay organ degeneration and aging, helping people stay younger and healthier. We firmly believe: ‘Though the glowworm’s light is faint, it strives to shine; though the path is long and arduous, perseverance will lead us to our destination.’”

Dr. Qiang Jing, Managing Partner at Apricot CapitalApricot Capital stated: “It is an honor for Apricot Capital to partner with visionary entrepreneurs who shine brightly, driving progress and development in the global health industry. Committed to fostering innovation and growth among China’s life sciences enterprises, Apricot Capital has identified gene editing as a key focus area. Next-generation gene editing technologies, such as Base Editing, hold immense potential. Dr. Song Yangzhou and his team have cultivated deep expertise in this field over many years, forming one of the few teams in China that master core technologies for developing base-editing therapeutics and delivery methods. Their independently developed novel tools, including gene editing activation systems, are at the forefront of international standards. We are delighted to announce our successful partnership with MicroGlow Gene, supporting the company in closing its angel financing round of nearly RMB 100 million. We believe that under the leadership of its founding team, the company will evolve into a world-leading, independently innovative platform enterprise in gene editing technology. ‘Because we believe, we see.’ Apricot Capital will leverage its professional industry resources and experience to help MicroGlow Gene deliver greater value to human health.”

Apricot Capital, established in 2015, derives its name from the phrase “Xing Ze,” symbolizing “masterful healers of the Apricot Grove bringing benefits to all.” By leveraging capital strength, it partners with visionary entrepreneurs to address significant unmet clinical needs.

Apricot Capital’s investment team comprises over 20 professionals with extensive experience in healthcare and medical industry investment, academia, and industrial operations. The firm focuses its investments on innovative biopharmaceuticals, medical devices (including life science instruments), and the innovative services value chain. Its current portfolio includes more than 50 companies, with total assets under management nearing RMB 5 billion.

Since its inception, Apricot Capital has focused on investing in high-quality early- and growth-stage enterprises in the life sciences industry, with investments spanning biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. Its portfolio includes over 50 rapidly growing star companies, such as Junshi Biosciences (01877.HK), Akeso (09926.HK), China Antibody (03681.HK), RemeGen (09995.HK), HeartFlow Medical (02160.HK), Sinocelltech, Liuhe Ningyuan, InnoMicro, TopAll Biopharma, Yilian Biologics, Qihe Life Science, Bowang Pharma, Tianze Yuntai, Shenqi Medical, Shengsheng Logistics, and PharmaCube.