Our China Ventures participated in this round alongside CD Capital and Sequoia Capital China.

Founded in 2019, Westlake Therapeutics is the first attempt to transform and commercialize the scientific achievements of Westlake University, the first-ever non-profit research institute in China. The Hangzhou-based start-up is seeking fundamental solutions via its proprietary engineered RBC therapeutic platform technology “REDx” to target a wide spectrum of diseases and to improve human wellbeing.

Xin Liu, Partner at Eight Roads commented: “Eight Roads is dedicated to backing indigenous innovation with global leading technologies. So far, there are around 10 RBC-based companies worldwide. Westlake Therapeutics is the only one based in China and the only one possessing multiple engineered RBC-based technologies. We believe that Westlake Therapeutics has the potential to become the global frontrunner in RBC-based therapy. We look forward to supporting the company with our global network and domain expertise in the biotech field.”

Due to the biological attributes of red blood cells, RBC-based therapy shows significant potentials for treating various diseases including cancer, rare diseases, and immunological diseases, etc. Our investment in Westlake Therapeutics further strengthens Eight Roads’ portfolio in the gene and cell therapy space.

In gene and cell therapy areas, Eight Roads has also invested in Semma Therapeutics, Beam Therapeutics, and Sironax, etc.