A biotech startup specializing in cell therapy has secured 210 million RMB (approximately $31 million USD) in a Series C funding round. The investment was co-led by Luminous Ventures and a healthcare-focused investment firm. The funds will be allocated toward advancing key clinical programs, improving the company’s innovative “AI + chemical induction” platform, expanding scalable manufacturing capabilities, and supporting international clinical trials and global partnerships.
Founded in 2017, the company develops treatments for neurodegenerative diseases by leveraging induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Its proprietary platform uses small-molecule compounds to precisely control human cell behavior, enabling efficient and scalable production of target functional cells.
This recent funding highlights increasing investor confidence in AI-driven biotechnologies, particularly as businesses aim to fast-track therapies for conditions with unmet medical needs. The company has developed several cell therapy candidates targeting Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and retinal degeneration. Its Parkinson’s candidate, NouvNeu001, has entered Phase II trials in both China and the US, while NouvNeu004, aimed at MSA, has obtained approval to begin clinical trials in both countries.
The company emphasizes that these advancements demonstrate the potential of its AI platform to identify shared mechanisms across neurological disorders, discover regulatory pathways for functional cells, and create promising therapeutic candidates. Looking ahead, it plans to evolve into a fully AI-driven biotechnology enterprise capable of continuously developing innovative drugs.
Previously, in September of last year, the company completed a Series B funding round exceeding 300 million RMB, with participation from several prominent investors.