Westlake Omics Secures Tens of Millions in Seed Funding to Advance Proteomics-Based Precision Diagnostics

On March 1, Westlake Omics (hereinafter referred to as “Westlake Omics”), a biotechnology company dedicated to applying proteomics research to clinical auxiliary diagnosis, announced the completion of its seed funding round, raising tens of millions of yuan. The round was co-led by Chende Capital and Gaorong Capital, with Hillhouse Venture Capital participating as a follow-on investor. The funds will be used for talent recruitment, breakthroughs in proprietary technologies, establishment of clinical laboratory operations, and expansion of R&D collaborations.

Westlake Omics, founded in July 2020, is dedicated to integrating proteomics big data with artificial intelligence. Leveraging mass spectrometry-based digital technology for biological samples, the company develops novel methods for assisted clinical diagnosis based on proteomics and other multi-omics approaches, thereby facilitating precise assisted diagnosis of major human diseases such as cancer.

Proteomics, as an emerging discipline, represents another breakthrough in humanity's exploration of the mysteries of life activities, following genomics and transcriptomics.

Virtually all human life activities are carried out by proteins within the body. Human health and disease are closely linked to proteins, and the efficacy of disease treatment depends on the regulation of protein machinery. Research into the proteome not only provides a material basis for understanding the laws of life activities but also offers theoretical foundations and solutions for elucidating and overcoming the mechanisms of numerous diseases. In recent years, the rapid development of molecular medicine, big data technology, and artificial intelligence has further advanced proteomics, demonstrating its growing application potential in the field of precision medicine.

Dr. Guo Tiannan, founder of Westlake Omics, is a Distinguished Researcher at the School of Life Sciences, Westlake University. He has long been engaged in proteomics-related research and has made multiple original technical contributions to the development and application of proteomic technologies. While working in the proteomics research group led by Professor Ruedi Aebersold in Switzerland, he helped develop a high-throughput proteomics technology based on PCT-SWATH, enabling highly reproducible, high-throughput mass spectrometry analysis of small-volume clinical samples. His scientific achievements have been published in journals such as Cell, Nature Medicine, and Nature Communications, and this technology has been applied to proteomic and multi-omics studies involving thousands of tumor samples.

Currently, Westlake Omics has assembled a multidisciplinary team comprising experts in proteomics, clinical medicine, artificial intelligence, and other cross-disciplinary fields, and is comprehensively conducting research on the “Clinical Translation and Application of Next-Generation Proteomics.” By integrating AI-driven deep learning with large-scale clinical healthcare data, the team is actively exploring novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic targets with clinical application potential. Leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies and tailored to the characteristics of multi-omics life and health big data, the team is constructing new models and algorithms for data analysis and mining to validate these targets. This approach aims to address a series of practical clinical challenges, with a particular focus on the precise subtyping, prognostic prediction, and precision treatment of major human diseases, such as cancers and metabolic disorders.

Currently, Westlake Omics has assessed protein expression levels in vivo by analyzing clinical samples from patient cohorts. By integrating machine learning, it helps predict and evaluate disease progression, providing auxiliary diagnostic support for the precise diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as thyroid nodules. In June 2020, a paper co-authored by Guo Tiannan’s team was published on medRxiv. Leveraging large-scale proteomic data and AI techniques, the study identified a panel of protein biomarkers capable of distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules, holding promise for significantly improving the accuracy of such differential diagnoses.

In 2020, Guo Tiannan’s team, in collaboration with partner teams, pioneered the analysis of serum proteomics and metabolomics in patients with mild and severe COVID-19. They identified a series of characteristic key biomarkers in severe cases, which are expected to provide guidance for predicting the progression from mild to severe disease, complement existing testing and diagnostic methods, and enable more precise and efficient treatment. The study was successfully published in Cell.

Guo Tiannan stated, “The golden age of widespread application of proteomics in precision medicine is dawning. Our mission is to accurately quantify as many proteins as possible from the smallest possible amount of biological sample in the shortest possible time, thereby deciphering the mathematical laws governing life processes and ultimately realizing proteomics-based precision medicine. In the future, we will continue to tackle global technical challenges, push beyond limits, and advance auxiliary diagnostic technologies for major human diseases.”

Both Chende Capital and Gaorong Capital have long been bullish on the clinical translational applications of multi-omics. Chende Capital stated, “Proteins play a central role in biological processes; however, compared to the rapid development of genomics and transcriptomics over the past decade, the proteomics industry remains in its relatively early stages, holding immense potential.” The project lead at Gaorong Capital remarked, “We firmly believe that China’s abundant local clinical resources will inevitably give rise to world-class Chinese multi-omics enterprises. The Westlake Omics team has been deeply engaged in proteomics for many years, achieving innovative breakthroughs in technology and resolving fundamental technical challenges that have long plagued the industry. Furthermore, they have initially established a network connecting high-quality clinical resources across China. We look forward to the Westlake Omics team continuing their relentless pursuit of excellence in proteomics, while also contributing to the advancement of multi-omics clinical applications in China.”

It is reported that, in addition to applying its research findings to precision-assisted diagnosis, Westlake Omics will leverage its three core advantages—minimal sample requirements, high throughput, and high reproducibility—to establish a comprehensive research service technology platform centered on clinical proteomics, thereby providing foundational research services for disease diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. Currently, Westlake Omics is providing research services to multiple renowned research institutions and pharmaceutical companies worldwide and has established comprehensive collaborative partnerships with them.

Chende Capital is an investment firm focused on the life sciences and medical technology sectors, managing multiple USD and RMB funds. Led by a professional team with extensive experience in the healthcare industry, Chende Capital has completed investments in over 60 projects and achieved successful exits from several of them. The firm is committed to building leading enterprises in the healthcare sector and delivering optimal returns to its investors.

Gaorong Capital is one of China’s most active venture capital firms, dedicated to identifying exceptional entrepreneurs and co-creating long-term value with them. Founded in January 2014 by managing partners Zhang Zhen, Gao Xiang, and Yue Bin, Gaorong Capital focuses on early-stage and growth-stage investments, with a particular emphasis on innovative sectors such as new consumer trends and emerging technologies. To date, the total assets under management of its USD and RMB funds amount to approximately RMB 28 billion. Fourteen portfolio companies have successfully completed initial public offerings (IPOs), and more than 20 have achieved valuations exceeding USD 1 billion, with many becoming industry leaders. Notable portfolio companies include Pinduoduo, GSX Techedu, Huya Live, Yixian E-Commerce (Perfect Diary), Roborock Technology, Yitu Technology, and Nuro.

Hillhouse Ventures is the venture capital fund under Hillhouse Capital, focusing on early-stage innovative companies. It primarily invests in four key sectors: biopharmaceuticals and medical devices, software and hard tech, consumer internet and technology, and emerging consumer brands and services. Biopharmaceuticals and medical devices have long been a core investment focus for Hillhouse. Over the past decade, Hillhouse has invested in more than 200 outstanding enterprises in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. We aim to partner with companies as “friends of time,” jointly driving innovation and development in the broader health sector to benefit more patients.