Lansheng Biopharma Secures Tens of Millions in Series A Funding to Advance Innovative CNS Therapeutics

VCBeat has learned that Lansheng Biopharma, a company dedicated to the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs, recently announced the completion of its tens-of-millions-of-yuan Series A financing round. The round was led by Yipu Capital, with participation from Qianrong Capital and existing shareholder Northern Light Venture Capital. The proceeds will accelerate the clinical development of Lansheng’s innovative first-in-class novel drugs, DM-8021 and LS-196, as well as expedite the localization of its multi-component/multi-phase sustained- and controlled-release and long-acting injectable formulation technology platform and related product candidates, leading to corresponding market launches. Additionally, the funds will support the completion of the company’s Suzhou Industrial Park facility. With the closing of this round, Mr. Lin Xianghong, Founding Partner of Yipu Capital, will join Lansheng’s Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to partner with WingPo Capital and Qianrong Capital, prominent investors in the pharmaceutical industry, to jointly provide better innovative medicines for patients with severe central nervous system disorders. We also extend our gratitude to our existing shareholder, Northern Light Venture Capital, for their continued support,” said Dr. Xu Jiangping, Founder and CEO of Lansheng Pharmaceuticals. “The successful completion of this financing round reflects the significant progress Lansheng has made over the past two years in advancing its new drug pipeline. Preclinical data on our innovative candidate, DM-8021, demonstrate that this novel compound is safe and effective, with a well-defined target, distinct advantages, favorable druggability, and substantial potential. Its efficacy and safety profile are superior to those of currently used first-line anticholinergic drugs. In addition, LS-196, a key project featuring a novel compound with a completely proprietary target mechanism owned by the company, has completed all preclinical studies, and an Investigational New Drug (IND) application has been submitted.”

As a highly selective allosteric enzyme modulator, LS-196 demonstrates clear efficacy and rapid onset of action. It holds promise for overcoming the challenges of delayed therapeutic response and drug resistance associated with existing antidepressants, thereby capturing market share in areas with unmet patient needs. Meanwhile, several of the company’s advanced formulation candidates are in the pre-bioequivalence (pre-BE) clinical stage. This will significantly enrich the company’s product pipeline and lay a solid foundation for its future growth. The current financing will accelerate the clinical development of these products, bringing tangible benefits to patients at the earliest possible time.

Mr. Lin Xianghong of Wing Po Capital stated, “The market for neurological drugs holds immense potential, with multiple therapeutic areas and patient needs remaining unmet. Under the leadership of Dr. Xu Jiangping, the Lansheng team has dedicated many years to the research and development of neurological drugs, accumulating extensive experience and building a robust product pipeline. We highly recognize and admire the Lansheng team’s persistence and efforts in innovative drug R&D. We are pleased to contribute to Lansheng’s drug development, clinical advancement, and production infrastructure. We hope that Lansheng will continue its endeavors to bring newer and better therapies to patients at the earliest possible date.”

Ms. Ye Xiaoming of Qianrong Capital: “Qianrong Capital is deeply honored to join the Lansheng family, working together to bring hope to patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders worldwide. Lansheng Pharmaceuticals boasts a robust pipeline of novel drug candidates targeting conditions such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Dr. Xu Jiangping and his core team are not only at the forefront of CNS disorder research but also possess extensive experience and a proven track record in new drug development within this field. Qianrong Capital holds strong confidence in the future growth and success of Lansheng Pharmaceuticals.”

Aurora Venture Capital, as an investor in two consecutive funding rounds, has expressed strong confidence in the Lancesun team. Mr. Deng Feng, Founder of Aurora Venture Capital, stated, “Central nervous system (CNS) disorders are poised to become a major threat to human health in the future, making drug development in this area a key focus for the pharmaceutical industry. The Lancesun team has been deeply engaged in this field for over 20 years, accumulating extensive experience in drug development. The company boasts a diverse product pipeline, with several products ranking among the most advanced globally. We believe that Lancesun Pharmaceuticals can deliver novel therapeutic options for CNS disorder patients worldwide, thereby benefiting those in need.”

Lansheng Biopharmaceuticals, established in 2012, is positioned as a leading enterprise in the research and development of innovative drugs for neuropsychiatric disorders. The company boasts a highly educated, technically skilled, and experienced R&D team, with expertise spanning small molecule design and synthesis, primary screening, pharmacokinetic evaluation, pharmacological and toxicological assessment, regulatory registration and filing, and clinical trial monitoring. Since its inception, the company has been committed to developing innovative drugs with independent intellectual property rights and has built a library of more than 800 small-molecule compounds. Lansheng Biopharmaceuticals is dedicated to developing novel small-molecule compounds with strong market competitiveness for chronic neuropsychiatric conditions, facilitating the market launch of new drugs with independent intellectual property rights, and driving the pharmaceutical industry’s strategic transition toward independent innovation.

Yipu Capital, established in 2016, is an investment management firm specializing in private equity and venture capital. The firm has extensive and deep-rooted investments in the biopharmaceutical and medical device sectors, backing numerous early-stage projects with innovative technologies, independent intellectual property rights, and top-tier teams in areas such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, central nervous system disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, Yipu Capital has expanded its footprint into healthcare services and pharmaceutical distribution. Committed to providing portfolio companies with value-added services—including industry resource integration, strategic planning, and market expansion—Yipu Capital aims to empower these enterprises to grow into innovative leaders with world-class competitiveness.

Qianrong Capital, established in 2010, serves as an executive director unit of the China Private Equity Industry Association, a vice-presidential unit of the Suzhou Venture Capital Association, and a director unit of the Suzhou Equity Investment Association. Currently, it manages seven venture capital and private equity funds, with assets under management exceeding RMB 2 billion. Among its portfolio companies, nine—including Neway Valve, Hengjiu Optoelectronics, InnoLight Technology, and Mediciston—have been listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchanges or the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

In addition to establishing its own unique criteria for project evaluation, Qianrong Capital places great emphasis on post-investment management. Ye Xiaoming, Chairman of Qianrong Capital, describes the firm’s investment philosophy as “20% investing, 80% managing.” As real-economy enterprises navigate numerous challenges and turbulent waters during their development, Qianrong Capital spares no effort in providing comprehensive support in areas such as standardized management, capital market access, market resources, and human resources. Standing shoulder to shoulder with entrepreneurs through thick and thin, the firm has been consistently recognized by its portfolio companies as the “Best Investor.”

Northern Light Venture Capital was founded by Mr. Deng Feng in 2005 as a venture capital firm dedicated to “empowering world-class entrepreneurs and nurturing world-class Chinese enterprises.” It currently manages five U.S. dollar funds and five RMB funds, with assets under management exceeding RMB 30 billion. The firm has long focused on investing in high-potential, early-stage, technology-driven companies, emphasizing “team, market, and innovation” while growing alongside its portfolio companies. To date, Northern Light has invested in more than 250 outstanding enterprises across the TMT, advanced technology, and healthcare sectors, including Meituan, ThunderSoft, ChineseAll, BGI Group, BluePort Interactive, Spreadtrum Communications, APUS, Ocean Music, Hanting Hotel, GigaDevice, Dianrong, CITIC Pharmaceutical, and VIPKID.