Yikon Genomics Completes RMB 250 Million Series D Financing to Accelerate Clinical Translation of Innovative Technologies in Reproductive Health and Oncology Diagnostics
On May 6, 2021, Shanghai Xukang Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yikon Genomics”) officially announced the completion of its RMB 250 million Series D financing round.This round of financing was participated in by prominent industrial and financial investment institutions, including GGV Capital, Yunfeng Capital, Sinopharm Capital, Yuanhe Holdings, and Jinlin Fund, with existing shareholder CICC Qide Fund making additional investments.The funds from this financing round will be allocated to product and technology R&D, clinical trials, channel expansion, marketing, and clinical translation in the fields of full-cycle reproductive health and tumor screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This will further solidify Yikon GENOMICS’ leading position in the assisted reproductive technology sector and accelerate the clinical translation of innovative genetic testing technologies in reproductive health and oncology.
Yikon Genomics, established in 2012, is dedicated to the development and application of single-cell whole-genome and transcriptome amplification and sequencing technologies, providing precision medicine testing services in the fields of reproductive health and cancer prevention and treatment. Driven by technological innovation, the company has invented dozens of patented technologies, translated multiple scientific research achievements into applications, filed 55 patent applications with over 20 granted, and obtained more than 70 software copyrights. It has published 37 SCI-indexed papers, including four in prestigious journals such as Nature and Science. The Yikon Genomics brand covers nearly 500 medical institutions across mainland China and has established collaborations with more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. Through multi-center clinical research collaborations, the company has achieved numerous breakthrough results, earning recognition and acclaim from experts, scholars, clinicians, and patients both domestically and internationally.
In the specialized niche of assisted reproductive testing, Yikon GENOMICS has developed an efficient, user-friendly, and precise “full-cycle fertility health product solution covering pre-conception, prenatal, preimplantation, and endometrial environment assessment,” empowering downstream reproductive healthcare institutions. The company has established collaborations with over 85% of reproductive medicine centers qualified for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), cumulatively helping hundreds of thousands of families overcome infertility and achieve eugenics and healthy childbirth.
Developed by the companyMALBAC®Single-Cell Whole Genome Amplification TechnologyWidely applied in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), it blocks the transmission of over 600 monogenic disorders, including nearly 20 hereditary cancers, helping hundreds of thousands of patients have healthy offspring.
ChromInst®-PGTA Molecular Genetic Testing TechnologyThe entire process, from localizing embryonic chromosomal testing to automatically generating diagnostic reports, can be completed within 9 hours, whereas other technologies on the market require over 20 hours and involve complex operational procedures.
NICS®Non-invasive Embryo Implantation Potential Screening Technology, eliminating the need for embryo biopsy; instead, one-step whole-genome amplification and high-throughput sequencing of the embryo culture medium are performed, combined with AI technology to assess the order of embryo transfer. In March 2016, the world's first NICS®Birth of IVF Babies. In April 2020, a nationwide multicenter clinical trial led by Academician Qiao Jie’s team from Peking University Third Hospital, with the participation of 13 reproductive centers, was officially launched, aiming to NICS®Non-invasive embryo screening technology is established as a new standard for effective embryo evaluation.
Furthermore,MaReCs®Detection of Balanced Translocation in Embryonic Chromosomes、YK-ERT®Endometrial Receptivity TestAdvanced assisted reproductive technologies have also been implemented in over 100 reproductive medicine centers. By comprehensively identifying the causes of infertility and miscarriage, screening for risks of monogenic genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities, selecting genetically healthy embryos, and evaluating the optimal endometrial environment for implantation, these services provide comprehensive protection for patients’ reproductive health.
In the Field of Tumor Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Yikon GENOMICS has also leveraged its technological advantages and brand influence in the assisted reproductive technology and tumor genetic testing markets to collaborate with multiple hospitals across China on hereditary gynecological cancers, hereditary gastrointestinal tumors, and otherSpecialized Program for Hereditary Tumor Genetic Testing and Familial Risk Interruption, we are building a genetic mutation data platform for hereditary tumors in the Chinese population, aiming to block familial transmission of hereditary tumors at the source, support the birth of healthy babies, and benefit families affected by hereditary tumor diseases. Furthermore, Yikon GENOMICS has established clinical research collaborations with renowned cancer hospitals in China, invented and optimized multiple tumor genetic testing technologies, and provides comprehensive solutions for hereditary tumor screening and prevention, personalized medication guidance through companion diagnostic genetic testing, and full-process genetic testing for tumor recurrence monitoring.
“Over the past nine years, Yikon GENOMICS has secured over RMB 800 million in financing. We are deeply grateful to our new investors for their recognition and participation, and equally thankful to those who have supported us since the company’s early stages. Thanks to the strong backing of our shareholders and the collaboration of outstanding professionals, Yikon GENOMICS has achieved rapid growth, developing dozens of core patented technologies that meet leading international standards. These technologies have been applied in clinical settings, helping hundreds of thousands of patients overcome fertility challenges and improve clinical outcomes.”Dr. Lu Sijia, Co-founder and Executive Director of Yikon GENOMICSstated: “The successful completion of this financing round will help drive the clinical translation of innovative technologies in reproductive health and oncology testing, while accelerating the international industrial layout of our multi-pipeline products. In the future, we will remain committed to our mission of empowering billions with health and new beginnings, adhering to efficient and rigorous principles to deliver exceptional products and services!”
Bao Jingming, General Manager of Universal Venture Capital“It was stated that ‘Yikon GENOMICS possesses independent intellectual property rights and the capability for continuous development of core technologies. Under the leadership of Academician Xie Xiaoliang and Dr. Lu Sijia, the team has deeply cultivated the genetic testing industry, demonstrating outstanding capabilities in scientific research and clinical industrial translation.’ General Venture Capital will promote the broader application of Yikon GENOMICS in China’s medical clinical fields, benefiting more patients and enhancing human well-being.”
Dr. Huang Xiao, Executive Director of Yunfeng Capitalstated: “Yikon GENOMICS is a leading enterprise with high growth potential in the fields of reproductive health and oncology genetic testing. It facilitated the birth of the world’s first healthy baby in which hereditary diseases were successfully blocked using MALBAC® technology. Under the leadership of Academician Xie Xiaoliang and Dr. Lu Sijia, the company’s multiple core technologies with independent intellectual property rights have been widely applied in scientific research and clinical practice. Based on this investment, Yunfeng Capital will assist Yikon GENOMICS in establishing deep collaboration with the Yunfeng ecosystem. We hope that Yikon GENOMICS will leverage its leading technological advantages to develop more innovative products that benefit patients.”
Zou Min, Partner at Sinopharm Capital“Yikon GENOMICS was founded by a team of top-tier molecular genetics experts in China. Since its establishment, leveraging its independent R&D capabilities, the company has developed an integrated solution for testing across the entire reproductive cycle, helping hundreds of thousands of patients overcome fertility challenges. We are optimistic about Yikon’s leading position in the field of eugenics and prenatal testing, as well as its distinctive development in personalized tumor testing, which will continue to contribute to improving clinical outcomes for patients.”
General Technology Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “GTVC”), established in 2012, is a market-oriented equity investment platform controlled by China General Technology Group. Leveraging its own capital and managed funds, GTVC conducts equity investments centered on the core pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medical businesses of China General Technology Group. With extensive investment experience and successful capital market cases in the fields of healthcare, new materials, and advanced manufacturing, GTVC has invested in and nurtured a cohort of high-quality enterprises that represent the forefront of China’s technological innovation, possess independent R&D capabilities, and demonstrate global competitiveness.
Yunfeng Capital was established in 2010 as a private equity fund jointly initiated by Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group, and Yu Feng, founder of Focus Media. Since its inception, Yunfeng Capital has adopted an “entrepreneurial spirit” approach to investment, deeply cultivating three major sectors: Internet-plus new consumption, technology and enterprise services, and healthcare. It has accompanied and participated in the growth of a cohort of China’s new economy enterprises. In recent years, through investments across the upstream and downstream of the healthcare industry, Yunfeng Capital has not only established a series of deep collaborations with leading domestic and international healthcare companies but also achieved full-industry-chain layout in multiple niche markets, including biopharmaceuticals, CXO, medical devices, and healthcare services.
Sinopharm Capital Management Co., Ltd. was established in January 2012 as a professional equity investment institution focused on the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, initiated by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm). Its management team comprises internal and external investment professionals from Sinopharm, organized under market-oriented mechanisms. With profound insights into industry development, operational management, and capital operations within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, the firm effectively integrates industrial resources and capital strengths both within and outside Sinopharm.
Since its establishment in 2001, Yuanhe Holdings has focused on the field of equity investment, managing funds exceeding RMB 100 billion, making it one of the leading equity investment institutions in China. Since its inception, the company has prioritized investment opportunities in emerging industries such as integrated circuits, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, cloud computing, and big data, while adhering to its commitment to supporting the real economy and promoting industrial transformation and upgrading. To date, it has directly invested in 937 projects, with its fund-of-funds platform investing in 123 sub-funds, and has cumulatively nurtured 146 companies to go public.
Suzhou Jinlin Health Fund was established in 2021, initiated by the Suzhou Fund Management Team and based in the Wuzhong Biopharmaceutical Industrial Park. Leveraging Suzhou’s robust biopharmaceutical industry and favorable environment for entrepreneurship and innovation, the fund focuses on the healthcare and wellness sector, with deep engagement in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and related fields. Committed to becoming a highly professional and market-recognized fund, it provides comprehensive support and services to foster enterprise growth, contributing sustained financial momentum to the vigorous development of China’s healthcare and wellness industry.
CICC Qide (Xiamen) Innovative Biopharmaceutical Equity Investment Fund (hereinafter referred to as the “CICC Qide Fund”) is an equity investment fund under CICC Capital Management Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “CICC Capital”), focusing on innovative pharmaceuticals. It represents a significant breakthrough in CICC Capital’s strategic layout within the biopharmaceutical industry. Leveraging its strong performance, brand reputation, and investment management capabilities, the CICC Qide Fund has gained recognition and support from numerous renowned fund-of-funds, institutional investors, listed companies, and clients of CICC Wealth Management. Despite market headwinds, it successfully completed oversubscribed fundraising in a short period, becoming one of the largest RMB-denominated biopharmaceutical funds in the past two years.
We would also like to extend our special thanks to our existing shareholders, including Jinhe Capital, CICC Capital, Guoke Jiahe, Century Golden Resources, Shengshan Assets, Guofang Capital, Yuexiu Fund, Zhongyuan Jiupai, Bocom Tech Innovation, Qide Huaming, and Ms. Zhu Qiong, for their consistent and strong support.
Yikon Genomics, established in 2012, is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to the development and application of single-cell whole-genome and transcriptome amplification and sequencing technologies, providing precision medicine testing services in the fields of reproductive health and cancer prevention and control. It operates a 5,600 m² medical testing center, as well as a 2,200 m² GMP-compliant production workshop and technology transfer center.
Yikon GENOMICS adheres to the corporate philosophy of “standardization and compliance” in its business operations and product development and application. The company has successively obtained ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 international quality certifications. All manufactured and marketed products are registered or filed with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), and the company holds a Medical Institution Practice License issued by the National Health and Family Planning Commission. Yikon GENOMICS achieved full scores in external quality assessment schemes for more than 30 items. Its PGS kit has passed the CFDA’s Special Examination Procedure for Innovative Medical Devices and is poised to obtain the Class III Medical Device Registration Certificate.
To date, Yikon GENOMICS has invented and commercialized multiple scientific achievements, establishing collaborations with medical institutions and research institutes in nearly 30 countries worldwide. As of the end of 2020, the company had filed 55 patent applications, with 20 granted; obtained more than 70 software copyrights; and published 37 SCI-indexed papers, including four in prestigious journals such as Nature and Science.
In the future, Yikon GENOMICS will leverage its proprietary core technology platforms—including single-cell omics sequencing, one-step amplification library preparation, and AI-driven automated data analysis—to address the critical needs and pain points of patients and healthcare providers in reproductive health and oncology prevention and treatment. The company will provide comprehensive, professional auxiliary diagnostic testing solutions alongside personalized genetic counseling and health management services. Upholding its corporate mission of “Harnessing Extraordinary Technology to Empower the Health of Billions,” Yikon GENOMICS is committed to delivering high-quality medical testing services to safeguard public health and new life, thereby contributing to the advancement of precision medicine.