Insights

Wearable devices are evolving from tracking physical signals like heart rate to decoding deep metabolic networks. AI models such as Google SensorFM analyze multi-dimensional physiological data yet cannot fully reveal internal metabolic mechanisms. Studies show metabolic abnormalities surface years before disease diagnosis. Conventional blood tests only provide "snapshot" readings, and continuous glucose monitoring has limited coverage. Multimarker, continuous, non-invasive metabolic monitoring represents a new direction. Abbott launched a glucose-ketone dual-marker monitor, while a University of California team built a sweat-testing smart ring. Competition hinges on sensor technology to convert metabolic signals into high-quality AI data. Powered by third-generation enzyme-electrochemical technology, OxSyns aims to break technical barriers, secure next-generation health data entry, and shift wearables from vital sign tracking to biochemical signal detection.

Following its acquisition of HaoDF over a year ago, Ant Group has rebranded “HaoDF Doctor Version” as “Ant Afu Doctor,” marking a major integration milestone. Launched on August 12, the AI-powered platform supports doctors in clinical decision-making, patient management, and academic research. Integrated with the Ant Afu App, which serves over 100 million users, the ecosystem enables seamless doctor-patient collaboration under the “Doctor in the Loop” principle. Its two core AI assistants include an AI Medical Assistant, developed with Wolters Kluwer and DeepModeling and providing access to over 60 million medical documents, and an AI Avatar Assistant for 24/7 pre-consultation, follow-ups, and health record management. The platform also supports healthcare institutions nationwide in unified internet hospital operations, underscoring Ant Health’s deeper commitment to AI-powered healthcare.

VCBeat’s “Going Global” Series, Issue 5: An Exclusive Interview with Wu Ming of TYK Medicines on Chinese Innovative Drugs Going Overseas. License-out deals for Chinese innovative drugs could reach $135.6 billion in 2025. A decade ago, Chinese pharma companies mainly expanded overseas through license-in deals, cross-border M&A, and technology introduction. Today, global pharma companies are actively seeking innovative assets, technology platforms, and blockbuster products from China. With expertise in R&D, IP, cross-border M&A, and business development, Wu Ming has shifted from seeking overseas technologies as a buyer to negotiating license-out deals as a seller of Chinese innovative drug assets. In 2024, TYK Medicines listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and began building global partnerships around its core assets.

Dr. Xiong Zhaoping, CTO of Alphama Biotech, founded Proton Unfold inspired by "Zhizi (Sophon)". Upholding the "AI First" philosophy, the company builds AI-native scientific computing infrastructure to simplify AI application and boost research efficiency. Its core product SciMiner Agent rolled out in November 2025 and acquired over 10,000 registered users in eight months. Despite years of progress in AI drug discovery, AI tools remain separated from actual R&D workflows. Scientists coordinate with CROs and track experiments separately, splitting research processes and bringing heavy coordination work. To tackle the issue, Proton Unfold is creating an end-to-end full-stack research platform. Its self-developed high-real-time molecular knowledge base avoids "research collision". VCBeat interviewed Xiong Zhaoping, Co-founder and CEO of Proton Unfold, to discuss the company's solutions for growing industry needs.

On August 11, 2026, Aureka Biotechnologies completed USD 100 million Series B financing in tranches. The first tranche came exclusively from Granite Asia; later tranches were led by a leading industrial investor with participation from HighLight Capital. Existing shareholders Qiming Venture Partners, Matrix Partners China and NRL Capital continued their investment. The firm's total financing has reached nearly USD 200 million. Proceeds will mainly support R&D and large-scale training of its next-generation biological foundation model, boosting capabilities in de novo molecular design, biomolecular structure modeling and function prediction. The company will upgrade its experiment-driven Lab-in-the-Loop system to build deep closed-loop integration between the foundation model, proprietary single-cell functional screening, high-throughput experimental validation and drug development platforms.

T-Bright Biotech was founded after the founder’s personal experience with bone grafting highlighted the need for better bone repair materials. With over 6 million bone dysfunction patients in China annually, ideal materials require mechanical strength, porous structures, and biodegradability. However, existing solutions, including autografts, allografts, and synthetic bone products, struggle to balance these properties. T-Bright Biotech adopted a “combination” strategy, inspired by the concept of “pencil plus eraser,” integrating the toughness of organic biodegradable polymers with the osteoconductivity of inorganic bioceramics. This approach enabled the company to overcome material limitations and successfully develop China’s first 3D-printed absorbable artificial bone product to receive Class III medical device registration, marking a significant advancement in bone repair technology.