Qihan Biotech uses high-throughput, multiplexable genome-editing technology and transplantation immunology expertise to create immune-privileged human stem cells and off-the-shelf cell therapy products. The company focuses on allogeneic (universal) cell therapies aimed at avoiding immune rejection and reducing costs compared with autologous approaches. Qihan leverages experience from xenotransplantation animal models to identify and edit genes that affect immune rejection and directly edits stem cells to produce high volumes of immune cells. Its first cell therapy products for human clinical trials are now in development, and the company may commercialize cell therapy products prior to xenotransplantation. Qihan is advancing its cell therapy programs into IND-enabling studies and plans to expand its GMP manufacturing capacity to support development and scale-up. Financially, the company has raised in excess of $100 million in Series A financing to date following an additional $67 million Series A++ infusion and is headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Qihan Biotech is developing xenotransplantation technology that uses gene editing to produce human cells, tissues and organs in pigs. The approach aims to alleviate China’s severe organ shortage by creating more compatible transplant material. The company highlights potential clinical impact but acknowledges significant biosafety risks, including transmission of known or unknown animal-derived infectious agents. Qihan was founded in November 2017 by Harvard biologist Yang Lunhan, who is also a co-founder and chief scientific officer of US-based eGenesis. The firm closed a Series A last year with backers including Sequoia China, Arch Venture Partners, Northern Light Venture Capital, Biomatics Capital Partners, and Alta Partners. Most recently it raised USD 20 million to further develop its platform.

Total raised

$93M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Mar 2021