Genessential Files IPO Prospectus: A Full-Stack Precision Nutrition Platform from Genetic Testing to Proprietary Health Products

Suboptimal health and chronic diseases have long plagued many individuals. People in a suboptimal health state often present with external signs such as dull complexion, frequent acne, endocrine disorders, indigestion, insomnia, and obesity, which are difficult to improve through medication alone. For those with chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, long-term dietary control and pharmacological treatment are essential. As the demand for healthy lifestyles becomes dominant, precision nutrition systems that develop personalized nutritional plans based on genetic testing are gradually coming into public view.

Genessential, also known as Ji Yao Biology, specializes in providing a closed-loop service of precise testing, personalized solution development, and nutritional products for individuals with chronic diseases and sub-optimal health. “A comprehensive precision nutrition system is our advantage,” said Chen Yingping, CEO of Genessential, in an interview with VCBeat. Based on gene sequencing results, Genessential interprets genetic data to explore the uniqueness of each individual, thereby customizing suitable diet, exercise, and nutrition plans for users.

Medications have limitations in improving chronic diseases and suboptimal health conditions, while JiYao is committed to enhancing people’s health through a testing-based personalized nutrition solution system.

“Managing nutrition and health, the most effective approach is to have your own flagship products,” Chen Yingping stated confidently. VCBeat has learned that Jikeyao Biotechnology has launched two nutritional products: Jiyang Probiotic Vitality Drink and Jiyu Plant-Based Formula.

It is reported that Jiyang Probiotic Bio-Active Drink has successively won the Annual Reputation Product Award at the 2018 Sina Beauty Reputation Awards and the Annual High-Tech Anti-Glycation Oral Beverage Award from Rayli.com, with daily sales reaching up to RMB 20,000. Regarding the recognition from customers and media, Chen Yingping revealed that Jiyang Probiotic Drink is fermented from 118 types of fruits and vegetables, rich in 1 billion live probiotics as well as natural active ingredients such as antioxidants and polyphenols, with a gastric acid survival rate as high as 63%. This product is one of the few on the market capable of reducing AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products), a key aging factor, thereby offering antioxidant benefits and helping to reduce inflammatory accumulation.

Jiyang Probiotic Vitality Drink

Jiyu Zhiyin Su is another nutritional product launched by the company. It improves the gut microbiota structure in patients with diabetes, enhances GLP-1 secretion and insulin sensitivity, ultimately enabling them to reduce medication dosage or even discontinue medication through self-management. It is understood that diabetes can cause damage to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems as well as renal function, leading to various complications. Through deep profiling of individual characteristics—such as gut microbiota status, metabolism of nutrients like carbohydrates, and generation of other metabolic end products—via genetic testing and gut microbiota analysis, Jiyao Biology assesses the risk of complications and formulates precise chronic disease recovery plans at the genetic level.

“Jiyu is not a standalone product; rather, it exerts its therapeutic effects through an integrated approach combining precision diagnostics and personalized nutritional plans.” By partnering with Shanfang Hospital and Tencent Penguin Doctor Clinics, Jiyao Biology collaborates to customize dietary regimens for diabetic patients, monitor adherence to product usage, and timely adjust medication dosages based on patients’ blood glucose levels. Through such dietary interventions, many patients have been able to discontinue pharmacological treatment.

Jiyu Zhiyin Su

“Offering complimentary testing services through product sales is the future direction for Jiyao,” said Chen Yingping. “We do not engage in price wars for testing services.” For instance, customers who purchase Jiyang beverages can receive genetic tests related to skin care and body slimming, thereby obtaining personalized nutrition plans. It is reported that Jiyao Bio’s two launched products generate monthly sales of several hundred thousand yuan.

JiYao has currently launched precision testing services, including genetic testing, gut microbiome analysis, and 360-degree premium health screenings. The testing chips are sourced from Illumina, a global leader in gene sequencing. Test results are jointly interpreted by experts from Emory University in the United States and the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Genetics, with personalized nutritionist services provided to users. By purchasing an annual health management card, users can access a comprehensive suite of nutritional services, including premium health examinations and ongoing nutritionist-led management.

Chen Yingping, CEO and Founder of JiYao Bio

The founding of Keyuan stemmed from a brief encounter. During a two-day hiking trip in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chen Yingping and Sha Di, Keyuan’s Scientific Director, found themselves in perfect agreement on their views regarding nutrition and pharmaceuticals. “We both share a passion for sports; I have been consistently working out for over a decade, while Sha Di is an outstanding figure among American ultramarathon runners. We both believe that nutrition and exercise are the most effective remedies for improving health,” recalled Chen Yingping. Subsequently, the initial team of Keyuan was formed.

From product R&D and algorithm development to product matching, Ji Yao has assembled a comprehensive team whose members boast over a decade of experience in the biomedical field. Dr. Wu Dong, who leads product R&D, is a pharmaceutical expert from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He specializes in the research and development of probiotics and small-molecule compounds and has contributed to the development of three new drugs approved by the FDA. Sha Di, responsible for product algorithm design, is a medical postdoctoral fellow from Emory University in the United States and has three years of big data R&D experience in Silicon Valley. The nutrition and fitness team consists of registered dietitians with many years of experience from both China and the United States, as well as senior coaches specializing in sports nutrition.

Regarding future product planning, Chen Yingping mentioned that Jiyao will also launch a new type of meal replacement product called "Lohas Maidou" (Happy Life Wheat & Bean). Traditional meal replacement products are high in protein content, placing a significant burden on the kidneys. In contrast, Lohas Maidou is composed of all-natural ingredients, imposing zero burden on the kidneys. It contains potato extract PI2, which induces satiety at the neurological level. Additionally, it incorporates potent antioxidant ingredients scarce in the market, such as acai berry, enabling users to achieve both weight loss and beauty benefits. Lohas Maidou will form an effective product portfolio with Jiyan and Jihuo drinks to better serve users. The unique high-dietary-fiber formula of Lohas Maidou will also be combined with Jiyu Plant-Based Drink to further enhance the blood sugar management program.

In addition to Tencent Penguin Doctor, Jiyao has established commercial partnerships with Beijing United Family Hospital (Shanfang Hospital), PICC Health, and Langfang Bank. It has also formed academic collaborations with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Stanford University to jointly develop nutritional products, facilitate data sharing, and enhance algorithmic matching.

Currently, Keyue Biotech is undergoing a new round of financing.