Evening Brief: Cellular 'Rejuvenation' Therapy Enters Human Trials; Brain-Computer Interface Enables Chess Match Between Paralyzed Patients 800 km Apart

1. Cell “Rejuvenation” Therapy Launches Human Trials

Highly Anticipated Gene Therapy Trial Launched; First Participant TreatedThe trial aims to partially reprogram senescent cells by activating three genes to restore youthful cellular characteristics, focusing on whether this approach can treat blinding conditions such as glaucoma. On June 9, Life Biosciences, the US company leading the trial, announced that it had completed treatment of the first participant. The primary objective is to verify safety, as the technology, while proven feasible in animal studies, carries a potential risk of carcinogenesis. Matt Kaeberlein, co-founder of the US biomedical company Optispan, stated that selecting the eye as the initial site for the trial is reasonable due to the lower risk of side effects associated with ocular interventions. The core goal of partial reprogramming is to moderately reverse cellular aging without causing loss of original cellular functions. This clinical trial aims to treat 12 patients with glaucoma, with plans to subsequently include patients suffering from non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The research team employs viral vectors to deliver the genes to retinal ganglion cells.

2. Separated by 800 Kilometers, NeuroXess Brain-Computer Interface Enables Two Patients with High-Level Paraplegia to Play Chinese Chess

NeuroXess Discloses Latest Clinical Progress: Two Patients with High-Level Paraplegia Complete a Chess Match 800 Kilometers Apart Using Its Self-Developed Brain-Computer Interface SystemNeuroXess has disclosed its latest clinical advancements, in which two patients with high-level paraplegia completed a Chinese chess match across a distance of 800 kilometers using the company’s self-developed brain-computer interface (BCI) system. Xiao Zhang from Shanghai controlled a virtual chessboard via the BCI, with commands transmitted to a robot in Nanchang that executed the moves on his behalf. Meanwhile, Teacher Deng in Nanchang used a brain-controlled exoskeleton glove to grasp and move physical chess pieces. The system maintains an end-to-end latency of under 50 milliseconds, and its decoding algorithms demonstrate strong generalizability across individual differences.Xiao Zhang, who has suffered from high-level paraplegia for eight years, regained the ability to browse the internet, play video games, and operate a wheelchair following implantation surgery. Teacher Deng, formerly an art teacher, can now eat, drink, and write with the assistance of a brain-controlled exoskeleton, and has even painted a family portrait post-surgery. This BCI-enabled chess match demonstrates the technological progression from “neural signal decoding” to “external device control” and further to “assisted voluntary limb movement.”

3. Leading Tech Companies Spin Off AI Drug Discovery Businesses, Entering a New Phase of Industrialization

ByteDance Takes a Key Step in Biological Computing: AI Drug Discovery Business Spun Off for Independent FinancingByteDance has taken a pivotal step in the field of biological computing by spinning off its AI drug discovery business line for independent financing. ByteDance will retain controlling interest in the new entity, into which the core team, algorithms, and other key assets will be fully transferred. The new company will be led by the original team and supported by the computational power of Volcano Engine. Comprising AI4S algorithm experts and seasoned pharmaceutical professionals, the team is responsible for core functions ranging from foundational model research to industrialization. ByteDance has already established a solid foundation and clear strategic layout in AI-driven drug discovery, having released a molecular structure prediction model, launched the AI drug discovery platform Anew Labs, and disclosed an IL-17 small-molecule project, all of which hold promise for tapping into a vast market. Furthermore, ByteDance has built a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem. In the future, the new AI drug discovery company will synergize with resources within the ByteDance system to create a complete closed loop from drug R&D to market launch. This spin-off will facilitate talent acquisition, capital alignment, and the establishment of decision-making mechanisms aligned with industry standards.

4. China’s First Integrated Platform for Photonic Computing Industry and Research to Be Established in Zhangjiang; Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Lightelligence Jointly Build Laboratory

On June 10, China’s first provincial-ministerial level key laboratory in the field of optical computing was launched in Zhangjiang, Shanghai. This municipal key laboratory is jointly established by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and Lightelligence, and is planned to be stationed at SJTU’s Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study. It aims to gather top-tier resources from industry, academia, and research, based in Shanghai with a nationwide reach, to create a world-class source of original technological innovation. Amid the urgent global demand for computing power driven by artificial intelligence development, optical computing has emerged as a critical strategic frontier. Shanghai places significant emphasis on technological innovation and industrial cultivation in optical computing, making the launch of this municipal key laboratory a pivotal move. SJTU boasts profound expertise across multiple disciplines, while Lightelligence is a global leader in optical computing; their collaboration represents a strong alliance. Integrated optical computing uses light as the data carrier, offering substantially improved core performance compared to electronic computing, with lower dependence on advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.

5. Kongshan Ci Completes Series A Financing: Full-Stack Brain-Computer Neural Modulation Platform Leads a New Paradigm in Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment

Shanghai Kongshanci Technology Co., Ltd. Focuses on Next-Generation Brain-Computer Interface Neuromodulation Technology and Recently Completed Series A Financing. This round of financing was led by Oriental Fortune Capital, with Yaotu Capital as a co-investor. Existing shareholders Dao Tong Investment and Yunqi Capital continued to increase their stakes, while Qifeng Capital served as the financial advisor. The funds raised will primarily be used for product research and development iteration, medical device registration applications, and global expansion. Kongshanci has established a globally leading brain-computer interface neuromodulation architecture featuring a "Whole-Brain Functional Connectivity Computational Engine + Robotic Navigation + Multimodal Closed-Loop Modulation," and has defined a clear three-phase implementation roadmap. The company has built a product portfolio covering in-hospital treatment for psychiatric and cognitive disorders, as well as home-based treatment for mood and sleep disorders. In terms of transcranial focused ultrasound systems, it is progressively launching self-developed systems ranging from 64 to 1024 channels.

6. Nuowei Biologics Completes RMB 100 Million Series B Financing to Accelerate Clinical Development of Novel HPV Nucleic Acid Therapeutics

On June 12, 2026, Nuowei Biologics, an innovative biotechnology company focused on the research and development of therapeutic nucleic acid drugs, completed a Series B financing round worth hundreds of millions of yuan. The round was led by Kangcheng Investment, with participation from several existing and new investors, including New Frontier Tiandi, Zhiyue Investment, and Qianyuan Fengqiong. The funds will be primarily used to advance the clinical development of core products, continuously optimize the STARi technology platform, and develop subsequent innovative pipelines, thereby further accelerating the company's R&D and industrialization efforts in the field of therapeutic nucleic acid drugs.

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