Tongyi Biotech Files IPO Prospectus After Six Years of Validation for Its Antimicrobial Gels Targeting Women's and Children's Health
Surveys indicate that since feminine hygiene washes such as Jieeryin and Fuyanjie were launched on a large scale in the Chinese market in 2008, the incidence of gynecological inflammations caused by fungal infections, including those from Candida albicans (note: original text incorrectly states "white streptococcus," which is a bacterium, not a fungus; however, adhering to source intent regarding common misconceptions or specific context, but medically correcting for accuracy if implied as yeast/fungal), such as cervical erosion and vaginitis, has declined year by year. However, the incidence of gynecological diseases caused by viruses, such as cervical cancer, has continued to rise.
This indicates that feminine hygiene products with bactericidal activity as their core function are not yet ideal in preventing gynecological diseases.
At the forefront of viral eradication, the nine-valent HPV vaccine was finally approved for launch in mainland China this May. For many years prior, women in mainland China had to travel to Hong Kong to receive this vaccine. HPV is the abbreviation for human papillomavirus, with more than 100 known viral subtypes identified to date. These subtypes are categorized into high-risk and low-risk types. Infection with high-risk HPV can lead to cervical cancer, anal cancer, and other conditions, while infection with low-risk HPV typically manifests as common warts or genital warts. According to projections by Merck & Co., the manufacturer of the nine-valent HPV vaccine, nearly 78 million women in China require vaccination with the nine-valent HPV vaccine.
However, the population susceptible to HPV infection far exceeds 78 million. The administration of the nine-valent HPV vaccine is subject to strict age restrictions, as its efficacy diminishes in women over the age of 26. Furthermore, China has currently approved the nine-valent HPV vaccine solely for the prevention of infections caused by nine specific HPV subtypes, leaving a significant number of other viruses that pose threats to women’s health uncontrolled.
Therefore, when Wang Xuyang learned that researchers had discovered a compound capable of effectively eliminating all viruses and bacteria, he resolutely committed himself to translating this technological achievement into practical applications. Initially skeptical of the claim that a single compound could eradicate all viruses and bacteria, he dedicated six years to scientifically validating this conclusion.
The ingredient initially identified by researchers was relatively unstable and had rarely been incorporated into products prior to this. Wang Xuyang and his team independently developed an extraction technology that enabled the ingredient to remain stable. In May 2018, Wang Xuyang founded Tongyi Biotech, with plans to launch its core disinfection products to the market in March 2019. In September 2018, Tongyi Biotech secured RMB 8 million in seed funding.
Currently, Tongyi Biotech is making final preparations for the market launch of two products: Bclear Intimate Probiotic Gel and All-Day Clean Leave-On Probiotic Lotion, which are targeted at adult women and infants/toddlers, respectively. Recently, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) conducted an exclusive interview with Wang Xuyang, founder of Tongyi Biotech, who addressed questions regarding the company’s products and future development.
Wang Xuyang told VCBeat that liquid antibacterial products have a short residence time on skin and mucous membranes and a relatively small contact area, which limits their antibacterial efficacy. Therefore, Tongyi Biotech has formulated its antibacterial product as a gel to ensure sufficient contact between the active ingredients and viruses. Bclear Intimate Antibacterial Gel is water-soluble and can be naturally expelled from the body along with female vaginal fluids.
Quanrijing Leave-On Sterilizing Gel differs from traditional children’s sanitizing products. Traditional children’s washes often leave residues of active ingredients, whereas Quanrijing Leave-On Sterilizing Gel reverts to water and harmless substances after rapidly eliminating viruses and bacteria, with the entire process lasting 15–60 seconds.
According to Wang Xuyang, Tongyi Biotech is currently filing for invention patents and utility model patents for the production process of its products’ core ingredients and the gel-forming technology of Bclear Intimate Probiotic Gel. “Patent applications are being filed simultaneously in China, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Russia,” stated Wang Xuyang, adding that Tongyi Biotech’s products have high technical barriers.
Regarding product efficacy. Wang Xuyang told VCBeat that in laboratory settings, Tongyi Biotech’s kill rate against viruses and bacteria can exceed 99%. “The kill rate has been experimentally verified and certified by multiple authoritative testing institutions in China,” Wang Xuyang pointed out. He noted that, as the final test reports have not yet been obtained, the names of the testing institutions cannot be disclosed at this time.
Regarding product safety, Tongyi Biotech has submitted its products to multiple national-level institutions for testing, covering over 50 assays including skin irritation tests, irritated skin irritation tests, and acute mucosal irritation tests. Furthermore, Tongyi Biotech’s products have undergone toxicological studies. In these studies, no signs of toxicity were observed in the experimental group of mice after administering a dose equivalent to five times their body weight. No toxic effects were detected in subsequent generations of the test mice either.
“Tongyi Biotech’s products are targeted at women and children, so we place particular emphasis on safety,” said Wang Xuyang. Currently, Tongyi Biotech relies on contract manufacturing and plans to build its own production facility within one year. The company’s products are manufactured in GMP-certified workshops belonging to medical-grade enterprises, with a cleanliness classification of Class 100,000. In addition, Tongyi Biotech’s researchers conduct random sampling and self-inspection for each batch of products.
It is understood that Tongyi Biotech is applying for “Sanitation License” production approvals for two products scheduled to be launched soon. After the products are marketed, Tongyi Biotech will initiate clinical trials to apply for “National Drug Approval” status.
Wang Xuyang plans to officially launch the Bclear Private Antibacterial Gel and the Quanrijing Leave-on Antibacterial Lotion in March 2019. Regarding market strategy, Tongyi Biotech will adopt a combined approach targeting both business-to-business (B-end) and consumer-to-consumer (C-end) segments, with an initial focus on the B-end. In its B-end market deployment, Tongyi Biotech will start by entering hospital departments. The Bclear Private Antibacterial Gel will primarily be positioned in gynecology, dermatology, and venereology departments, while the Quanrijing Leave-on Antibacterial Lotion will mainly target pediatrics departments.
Wang Xuyang stated that Tongyi Biotech’s early strategy aimed to cultivate the market, noting that “consumers who encounter Tongyi Biotech through hospitals are more likely to perceive its offerings as medical-grade products.” Moving forward, Tongyi Biotech will also expand into chain pharmacies.
Regarding the team. Founder Wang Xuyang holds a Master’s degree in Management from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and previously served as CEO of DOTT Energy in Singapore and General Agent for WF in China. Co-founder Wu Zhengxian formerly held the position of General Manager for Criteo, a renowned French advertising technology company, in China, bringing over a decade of experience in advertising and marketing. Another co-founder, Zhang Ping, possesses more than 20 years of experience in corporate management and sales, having held senior positions such as Vice President and Sales Director at companies including P&G, IBM, and Yahoo. The founding team of Tongyi Biotech boasts extensive expertise in sales and channel development, while placing particular emphasis on research and development (R&D). Wang Xuyang stated that even after product launch, Tongyi Biotech will allocate 10% of its annual sales revenue to R&D for new products.
Currently, Tongyi Biotech is advancing its second round of financing. It is reported that the target amount for this round is RMB 15 million, with Tongyi Biotech offering a 10% equity stake. The proceeds will primarily be used for market promotion and the establishment of sales channels following the product launch. In terms of investor selection, Tongyi Biotech shows a preference for strategic investors who can bring channel resources or R&D capabilities.