Home AmCare Genetics Secures Tens of Millions in Series A Funding to Build an International-Class Clinical Genomics Diagnostic Center

AmCare Genetics Secures Tens of Millions in Series A Funding to Build an International-Class Clinical Genomics Diagnostic Center

Jul 02, 2017 10:33 CST Updated 10:33

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has exclusively learned that Guangzhou Jiajian Medical Testing Co., Ltd. (“Jiajian Medical”) recently announced the completion of its RMB tens-of-millions Series A financing round. The round was led by Mifang Capital, with participation from Qianshan Investment, Sun Yat-sen University Venture Capital, Guangdong Medical Valley, and Kuimu Investment.

 

Jiajian Medical was established in August 2015 and is the only independent medical service institution in China with technical personnel certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) in three specialties: clinical cytogenetics, clinical molecular genetics, and clinical biochemical genetics. Adhering to ACMG guidelines, the company leverages China’s most professional genetic testing platform to provide clinically significant genetic diagnosis and counseling services.

 

Accelerating the Clinical Implementation of Genetic Testing in China

 

Professor Zhang Wei, a clinical genetic diagnostics expert at Baylor College of Medicine in the United States; Professor Lu Guohui, Senior Director of the Clinical Cytogenomics Laboratory at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Although their laboratories were located in close proximity before they returned to China, the two did not truly meet until they were back in China.

 

In 2015, Fudan University launched a genetic counseling training program. As renowned experts in the field of genetics, Lu Guohui and Zhang Wei were both invited to serve as instructors for the program. The textbook Clinical Genetic Counseling, edited by Lu Guohui and published in 2007, was designated as the required course material. During their tenure training clinicians at Fudan University, both recognized the urgent need for clinical application of genetic testing technologies in China, the shortage of specialized professionals in clinical genetic diagnostics, and the slow pace and suboptimal outcomes of clinical translation. Lu Guohui has long been deeply engaged in clinical cytogenomics, while Zhang Wei has achieved remarkable accomplishments in applied research on clinical molecular and biochemical genetics. Furthermore, their extensive experience in training domestic clinicians over many years has given them profound insights into current clinical needs.

 

“Given the complementarity of our professional expertise, we immediately considered whether we could collaborate to accelerate the clinical adoption of genetic testing technology in China,” Zhang Wei told VCBeat. After completing a genetic counseling training program in 2015, the two founded the company in Guangzhou.

 

Focusing on Genetic Diagnosis and Counseling to Shape the Company’s Core Competitiveness

 

According to data released by the World Health Organization, there are approximately 7,000 confirmed monogenic genetic diseases worldwide. Although the incidence of each individual genetic disorder is low, the overall prevalence remains high due to the vast number of disease types—a phenomenon often summarized by industry experts as “rare diseases are not rare.”

 

With the exception of a small subset that can be corrected through medical interventions, the majority of monogenic genetic disorders carry risks of lethality, disability, or teratogenicity and lack effective treatments. These diseases involve multiple disciplines, present with complex clinical symptoms, and pose significant diagnostic challenges. Conventional testing techniques carry risks of missed or misdiagnosis, which may cause patients to miss the optimal window for treatment.

 

Currently, there are as many as 25 to 50 million children and adults in China affected by genetic disorders, with approximately 900,000 newborns born with birth defects each year. There is a substantial clinical demand for the development of precise genetic testing and diagnosis of genetic diseases at this stage. Particularly in the context of China’s relaxed two-child policy, screening and diagnosis of genetic disorders are especially necessary, as they can effectively reduce neonatal defects and alleviate the burden on families and society.

 

On the other hand, due to the diversity and complexity of human genomic variations, the threshold for clinical application of genetic testing technologies for hereditary diseases is relatively high, and there are few companies in China capable of providing professional clinical diagnosis of genetic disorders. Therefore, to leverage its technological advantages, Jiajian Medicine has focused its business on hereditary genetic diseases.

 

Dr. Li Shanbing, Partner at Mifang Capital, stated: “Compared to developed countries in Europe and the United States, genetic testing for hereditary diseases in China is still in its early stages, yet it holds immense market potential. Screening for and diagnosing hereditary diseases are of great significance in reducing the incidence of severe genetic disorders and improving the quality of life for patients. Genetic testing for hereditary diseases demands far higher precision in sequencing workflows and result analysis than testing for other conditions. The founder’s background as a clinician, combined with Jiajian Medicine’s unique advantages in data analysis and interpretation as well as its extensive clinical experience, ensures its core competitiveness in the future market for hereditary disease screening and diagnosis.”

 

Achieving Precision Medicine Through Personalized Diagnosis and Consultation Services

 

In addition to genetic disease testing, the company also provides services to medical institutions in areas such as eugenics and healthy childbirth counseling, oncology, and personalized medicine. Zhang Wei stated that they aim to deliver high-quality prevention, diagnosis, and treatment solutions, provide clinical training for healthcare professionals in China on genetic disorders and oncology, and achieve precision medicine through personalized diagnostic and consulting services.

 

Dr. Zheng Fei, Investment Director at Mifang Capital, stated, “Although domestic gene sequencing companies are emerging in large numbers, few possess a competitive edge in the field of genetic data analysis. Jiajian Medicine is the only independent medical institution in China with technical personnel certified in the three major specialties of ABMG.” He believes that the company is fully capable of expanding its business in the international market.

 

Upon the completion of this funding round, the company will further enhance its capabilities in R&D and product promotion. By leveraging its core strengths, the company aims to rapidly narrow the gap between China and developed regions such as the United States and Europe in clinical laboratory testing.


“China is not merely a major player in sequencing. We aim to transform the domestic market into a world-class center for clinical genetic diagnosis by strengthening and expanding clinical laboratory services,” stated Professor Zhang Wei.

  

About Mifang Capital


Mifang Capital is an investment firm focused on the biopharmaceutical and life health industries. Its management team hails from JD Capital, Chongde Hongxin, Fosun Group, China Science and Merchants Capital, Yuexiu Pharmaceutical Industry Fund, and other prominent institutions. With multidisciplinary expertise and extensive experience in the healthcare sector, the team effectively facilitates resource alignment and accelerates the growth of its portfolio companies.

 

Currently, Mifang Capital’s portfolio includes growth-stage stars in the biopharmaceutical industry, such as Tian Guangshi (antibody drugs), Jingzhun Medical (molecular diagnostics), Bohui Ruijin (biomaterials), Sainowei (surgical instruments), Hanyu Medical (interventional devices), Ansong Technology (orthopedic devices), and Jiajian Medicine (gene sequencing and diagnostics).

 

Mifang Capital has secured support from institutional investors such as Tigermed, a listed company; Shanghai Haoshi Investment Fund of Funds; and Huaxi Group. Guided by a dedicated focus on the biopharmaceutical and life health industries, Mifang Capital implements professionalized management and primarily invests in startups within niche sectors, including medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare services.

 

About Jiajian Medical


Guangzhou Jiajian Medical Testing Co., Ltd. was established in August 2015 and is located on Guangzhou International Bio Island. It was founded by Professor Zhang Wei, Director of the Clinical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine, Professor Lu Guohui, Senior Director of the Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and others. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality medical solutions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and offers specialized clinical genetics training for healthcare professionals in China. Its business scope includes genetic disease diagnosis, eugenics and reproductive health counseling, and personalized medicine.