Lilly Asia Ventures

Lilly Asia Ventures, founded in 2008, serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Eli Lilly and Company, focusing on investments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, with a particular emphasis on opportunities in China. The firm targets promising companies at various stages of development, from seed to commercialization, and seeks to invest between $5 million and $15 million per round. Lilly Asia Ventures specializes in human therapeutics, medical technology, healthcare services, and broader life sciences, including industrial and agricultural biotechnology. With a preference for taking minority stakes, typically less than 20 percent, the firm aims to partner with companies that exhibit strong management teams and innovative business models. Headquartered in Shanghai, with additional offices in Hong Kong and California, Lilly Asia Ventures is committed to driving innovation in the healthcare landscape across East and South Asia.

Fei Chen

Managing Partner

Judith Li

Partner

Jieyu Zou

Managing Director

Past deals in Genetics

Positive Sequence Biology

Series A in 2021
Positive Sequence Biology is a biotech company with new gene system-based editing, focused on biotech innovation & breakthrough therapies.

Abogen Biosciences

Series C in 2021
Abogen Biosciences is a discovery stage biotechnology company focuses on developing nucleic acid-based (RNA and DNA) therapeutics for treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.

Rgenta Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Rgenta Therapeutics develops a pipeline of oral, small-molecule RNA-targeting medicines with an initial focus on oncology. Its proprietary platform mines the massive genomics data to identify targetable RNA processing events and design small-molecule glue to modulate the interactions among the spliceosome, regulatory proteins, and RNAs. Its lead programs and unique approach are unlocking the therapeutic potential of historically undruggable targets in human diseases. It was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

EdiGene

Series B in 2021
EdiGene is dedicated to the development of genome editing technology for human health. Genome editing technology enables the targeted modification of genetic information in human cells, including gene knockout, knock-in and targeted mutations. They aim at providing the high quality products and services for the patients, the pharmaceutical industry, and the scientific research community with the most advanced genome editing technology.EdiGene innovates and applies genome editing technology to developing human therapeutic products. Their therapeutic approach is to treat diseases at the molecular level, making gene therapy safer and more effective.

Nucleix

Venture Round in 2021
Nucleix develops, manufactures, and markets non-invasive molecular cancer diagnostic tests. Its sensitive and specific tests are based on identification of subtle changes in methylation patterns. Nucleix offers a urine test for monitoring of bladder cancer called Bladder EpiCheck and a blood test for early detection of lung cancer called Lung EpiCheck. Adam Wasserstrom, Danny Frumkin, and Elon Ganor founded it in 2008, with its headquarters in Rehovot in Israel.

Qihan Biotech

Series A in 2021
Qihan Biotech is a biomedical company specializing in genetic technology with a focus on xenotransplantation. The company aims to address the critical shortage of organ donors by utilizing advanced gene editing techniques to develop safe and effective cells, tissues, and organs for human transplantation. Their mission is to eliminate the waiting period associated with organ transplants, providing patients with access to life-saving organs. By harnessing cutting-edge genetic editing technology, Qihan Biotech seeks to create viable organs that can be transplanted into humans, thereby contributing to a solution for the global organ donor crisis.

EdiGene

Series B in 2020
EdiGene is dedicated to the development of genome editing technology for human health. Genome editing technology enables the targeted modification of genetic information in human cells, including gene knockout, knock-in and targeted mutations. They aim at providing the high quality products and services for the patients, the pharmaceutical industry, and the scientific research community with the most advanced genome editing technology.EdiGene innovates and applies genome editing technology to developing human therapeutic products. Their therapeutic approach is to treat diseases at the molecular level, making gene therapy safer and more effective.

Geneseeq

Series D in 2019
Geneseeq Technology Inc., established in 2008 and based in Toronto, Canada, operates a clinical testing and diagnostic center specializing in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. The company focuses on advancing precision medicine in cancer treatment by transforming patients' genomic information into actionable insights for healthcare providers. Geneseeq's laboratories have attained significant certifications, including those from China's National Center of Clinical Laboratories and the College of American Pathologists, ensuring high standards in clinical diagnostics. The company offers a range of personalized medical diagnostics and healthcare management services, including genetic screening and molecular diagnostics, aimed at enhancing the detection and treatment success of cancer.

EdiGene

Series A in 2019
EdiGene is dedicated to the development of genome editing technology for human health. Genome editing technology enables the targeted modification of genetic information in human cells, including gene knockout, knock-in and targeted mutations. They aim at providing the high quality products and services for the patients, the pharmaceutical industry, and the scientific research community with the most advanced genome editing technology.EdiGene innovates and applies genome editing technology to developing human therapeutic products. Their therapeutic approach is to treat diseases at the molecular level, making gene therapy safer and more effective.

Passage Bio

Series B in 2019
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.

Passage Bio

Series A in 2019
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.

EdiGene

Series A in 2019
EdiGene is dedicated to the development of genome editing technology for human health. Genome editing technology enables the targeted modification of genetic information in human cells, including gene knockout, knock-in and targeted mutations. They aim at providing the high quality products and services for the patients, the pharmaceutical industry, and the scientific research community with the most advanced genome editing technology.EdiGene innovates and applies genome editing technology to developing human therapeutic products. Their therapeutic approach is to treat diseases at the molecular level, making gene therapy safer and more effective.

KSQ

Series C in 2018
KSQ Therapeutics is pioneering High-Confidence Drug Development: a fundamentally new approach to R&D where the majority of the de-risking work is done prior to the generation of therapeutic drug candidates. Powered by our proprietary CRISPRomics™ drug discovery engine, their team has elucidated the function that each human gene plays in multiple diseases, providing a unique and more comprehensive understanding of disease biology. The quality of these insights enables their scientists to rapidly identify and validate high-confidence, patient-tailored, novel drug targets and then focus their collective efforts on the development of medicines with the greatest potential to impact the lives of patients. KSQ has initiated a pipeline of preclinical discovery programs and was founded in 2015.

EdiGene

Series A in 2018
EdiGene is dedicated to the development of genome editing technology for human health. Genome editing technology enables the targeted modification of genetic information in human cells, including gene knockout, knock-in and targeted mutations. They aim at providing the high quality products and services for the patients, the pharmaceutical industry, and the scientific research community with the most advanced genome editing technology.EdiGene innovates and applies genome editing technology to developing human therapeutic products. Their therapeutic approach is to treat diseases at the molecular level, making gene therapy safer and more effective.

Singlera Genomics

Series A in 2018
Singlera Genomics Inc. specializes in developing genetic testing and molecular diagnostic technologies, particularly focusing on non-invasive methods. The company has created a methylation detection platform that enhances cancer screening for early tumor diagnosis and prevention. Its offerings include tumor diagnosis, personalized treatment options, non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, and pre-implantation genetic screening, along with customized scientific research services. With a commitment to precision medicine, Singlera Genomics aims to provide patients with early, accurate, and informative diagnoses. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in La Jolla, California, and operates research and development centers in Shanghai, China.

Veritas Genetics

Series B in 2016
Veritas Genetics International Ltd. offers genetic testing services aimed at empowering individuals to improve their health and longevity. Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, the company collaborates with scientists, physicians, and patient advocates to develop comprehensive genetic testing solutions. Its advanced genetic technology surpasses traditional next-generation sequencing by detecting a broader range of gene variations. Veritas Genetics also provides a screening test focused on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk, facilitating informed decision-making for clinical researchers and healthcare providers. The company operates across North America, Asia, and Europe, striving to enhance the understanding of genetic health.

Singlera Genomics

Series A in 2016
Singlera Genomics Inc. specializes in developing genetic testing and molecular diagnostic technologies, particularly focusing on non-invasive methods. The company has created a methylation detection platform that enhances cancer screening for early tumor diagnosis and prevention. Its offerings include tumor diagnosis, personalized treatment options, non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, and pre-implantation genetic screening, along with customized scientific research services. With a commitment to precision medicine, Singlera Genomics aims to provide patients with early, accurate, and informative diagnoses. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in La Jolla, California, and operates research and development centers in Shanghai, China.

Veritas Genetics

Series A in 2015
Veritas Genetics International Ltd. offers genetic testing services aimed at empowering individuals to improve their health and longevity. Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, the company collaborates with scientists, physicians, and patient advocates to develop comprehensive genetic testing solutions. Its advanced genetic technology surpasses traditional next-generation sequencing by detecting a broader range of gene variations. Veritas Genetics also provides a screening test focused on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk, facilitating informed decision-making for clinical researchers and healthcare providers. The company operates across North America, Asia, and Europe, striving to enhance the understanding of genetic health.
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