Neukio Biotherapeutics on a New Mission
Corporate Overview
Neukio Biotherapeutics
Established in June 2021 at the Life Science Park of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, Neukio focuses on development of next generation allogenic cell therapies via the iPSC-CAR-NK axis, through internal discovery and external collaboration, with emphasis on innovative immuno-oncology products.
The management team has rich cell therapy experience, CEO and other key managers have led the Fosun Kite JV from the start and successfully launched the first CAR-T product Yescarta® commercialization in China (tech transfer, manufacturing, clinical trials and regulatory approval) in less than three years.
Supported by renowned VC investors including Lilly Asia Ventures, IDG Capital and Sherpa Capital, with a $40M angel round funding in August 2021. In September 2022 Neukio has closed $50 million in a Series A-1 funding round that was led by CD Capital, with the participation of Alwin Capital and Surplus Capital as new investors. Existing shareholders Lilly Asia Ventures, Sherpa Healthcare Partners and IDG Capital have continued to support the company with additional funding. G&G Capital served as the exclusive financial adviser.
Building upon successful experience in commercialization of autologous CAR-T cell therapy products and the last cutting-edge technologies, Neukio’s core team has designed a novel allogeneic immune cell therapy technology and process platform and to address the limitations of autologous cell therapy. The innovation mainly focuses on two aspects: 1) Leveraging the advantages of gene editing technologies to modify unique signaling pathways and/or to engineer transgenes, we can create novel functions and reconstitute immune-response of iPSC-NK to overcome the challenges in treating solid tumors beyond cancer target selection. In addition, knocking-in and expressing target-specific CAR molecules will enhance target dependent cytotoxicity, and NK activation, leading to better clinical efficacy in specific indications. 2) Developing GMP-compliant bioreactor-based 3D suspension process for iPSC differentiation to NK cell and further expansion under perfusion conditions will ensure manufacturing highly pure and homogenic CAR-NK products in scale. Demonstration of clinical safety and efficacy of the engineered products will fulfill the unmet medical needs in solid tumor treatment, and bring hope of cure to patients world-wide.
Our Competitive Advantages
l Strong cell therapy expertise (CAR-T, CMC, regulatory)
l Unequivocal innovative pipeline strategy with global reach
l Parallel approach of internal R&D & external collaborations
l Highly effective team with strong execution record
l Supported by renowned investors with shared vision
Development History
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2022
July ：Achieved first gene editing
July ：Completed small scale entire process
September：Completed $50m Series A-1 financing
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2021
June： Neukio Bio was founded in Shanghai Free Trade Zone
July： Completed $40m Angel round financing
September： Established Discovery laboratory center
December： Established GMP-level facility
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2022
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2021
Corporate vision
Let Cell Therapies Eradicate Cancer Cells
Corporate mission
Focus on Innovative Technology and Therapy Development
Uphold High Quality Standards and Industry Leadership
Corporate value
Honesty and Integrity
Responsibility and Accountability
Respect and Collaboration
Result and Excellence
About Founder
Richard Liqun Wang Ph. D., MBA.
Founder, Chairman and CEO， Neukio Biotherapeutics
Former positions held：
VP & CTO, Fosun Pharma
Founding CEO of Fosun Kite Biotech, completed tech transfer, registration trial and market authorization application for Yescarta in China (the first CAR-T product) in less than three years
COO of CBMG (Cellular Biomedical Group), managed production and clinical trials of stem cell and CAR-T therapies
Head of Operations, GSK R&D Center in China
Director of Alliance, Externalization and Portfolio Management, AstraZeneca Innovation Center China
Associate Director, Discovery Portfolio and Project Management, Bristol-Myers Squibb USA
Group Leader & Principal Scientist, Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, USA
Richard received B.S degree in Cell Biology from the University of Science & Technology of China, Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and MBA from Xavier University, in Cincinnati. He obtained postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health, USA.
Core Team
The core management team has rich experience in R&D, production and manufacturing of cell therapies.
40% previously worked in the management team of Fosun-Kite, and led Fosun-Kite to complete the technology transfer, facility construction, clinical trials, drug regulatory review and successful approval of Yescarta for commercialization in China.
