CABS Launches 2025 with Investor Forum and Roadshow in San Francisco
The Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS) kicked off 2025 on January 15 with its Investor Forum, held at Morrison & Foerster’s San Francisco offices during JP Morgan Week. Morrison & Foerster, a CABS sponsor for over a decade, partnered once again to host the event.
Investor Forum Highlights
CABS President Kay Tong led the forum, highlighting 2024 achievements such as the successful Bio Pacific Conference and various workshops. CABS continues to support career development through mentorship programs with Fortune 500 executives and hosts social events like Chinese New Year celebrations.
Brigid Bondoc of Morrison & Foerster addressed the potential impact of the incoming administration on the life sciences sector, focusing on nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz. Concerns were raised about possible FDA and CDC staffing cuts and regulatory changes affecting vaccine development and drug approvals, indicating significant policy shifts ahead.
Janet Xiao moderated the first panel on future life sciences trends. Experts discussed adapting to high interest rates, leveraging Chinese partnerships, increasing scrutiny on asset differentiation in capital markets, and rising drug discovery costs. The panel emphasized the need for speed, quality, and strong team dynamics to navigate industry challenges.
The second panel, led by Alex Zhang, CEO of OneTwenty Therapeutics, focused on recent biopharma successes. Andrew Lam shared insights on IPOs, while Matt Karlyn highlighted growing confidence in Chinese biotech and cross-border deals. David Shen discussed the importance of differentiation in mergers and acquisitions, cautioning that trends like "Newco" deals may wane amid investment slowdowns. The panel underscored the necessity for strategic planning and contract flexibility amid geopolitical changes.
CABS Roadshow Returns
After a pandemic hiatus, CABS resumed its Roadshow, selecting ten outstanding presenters to showcase their projects at Morrison & Foerster’s San Francisco offices following the Investor Forum.
- Kazu Matsuda, Kortuc Inc. introduced a hydrogen peroxide drug to enhance cancer radiotherapy by targeting tumor hypoxia, aiming to treat 1.5 million patients in breast, cervical, and rectal cancers. Currently in Phase II trials for breast cancer, Kortuc plans to raise $20 million for development.
- Synlico is developing an AI-driven platform to identify causal relationships in gene data, utilizing 18,000 patient samples for model training.
- Karnelian X Inc., led by Yuan Lu, is generating neo-antigen-specific T cells for solid tumors, with early patient success and plans for further trials in China before seeking FDA approval.
- MicuRx, represented by CMO Regis Vilchez, presented MR-Five, an antibiotic targeting Mycobacterium abscessus for non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, preparing for Phase II trials after receiving orphan drug designation.
- Atombeat showcased their molecular dynamics simulation technology and successful drug discovery platforms.
- Aluda Pharmaceuticals, led by Dr. Chen, is targeting vimentin for severe immune diseases and seeks $12 million for further development.
- AANASTRA, represented by Neil, highlighted their peptide-based RNA delivery system for treating P53-mutant cancers, aiming to raise $25 million.
- Respiree announced FDA-approved EHR devices for monitoring respiration data, raising $10 million in Series A funding to enhance patient monitoring and reduce hospital stays. Supported by partners like Philips and Roche, their platform integrates with EHRs and third-party devices, focusing on acute care and pediatrics.
- Swaza, represented by Dr. Arthur, discussed oxygen therapeutics that improve oxygen exchange for COPD and asthma, targeting the $56 billion ARDS treatment market with cost-reducing solutions.
- Amberstone Bio, led by CEO George Wu, presented advancements in T cell engagers for solid tumors, particularly metastatic pancreatic and prostate cancers. Following a $19 million fundraising round, including a $3 million licensing deal, Amberstone seeks $15 million in Series A+ funding to advance their lead program toward clinical trials, targeting an exit by 2028.
The Roadshow garnered significant interest and numerous questions, highlighting the vibrant innovation within the biopharmaceutical community.
CABS will continue to provide a dynamic platform for biopharmaceutical professionals, fostering investment, collaboration, and the advancement of cutting-edge therapies.