ChinaBio® Partnering Forum 2017: China's EpimAb hunts for novel biologics with funding, partnership

Dr. Wu Chengbin, CEO and founder of Shanghai-based EpimAb Biotherapeutics discusses with Scrip’s Brian Yang how the startup's preparatory platform will develop next-generation bispecific antibodies.
Formerly the CSO for Shanghai CP Guojian Pharma, one of China's leading biosimilars manufacturers, Wu Chengbin now leads a biologics startup, EpimAb Biotherapeutics.
On May 31, EpimAb announced a deal with WuXi Biologics, a biological subsidiary of WuXi AppTec Inc., to collaborate towards an investigative new drug filing for EpimAb's first candidate EMB-01.
WuXi Biologics will be responsible for establishing the chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) portion for the IND filing, which is expected in mid-2018.
EMB-01 is developed on EpimAb's proprietary FIT-Ig (Fabs-In-Tandem Immunoglobulin) platform. The development focus is immune-oncology candidates, as well broad collaboration with both China-based companies and multinationals, Wu said.
In April, the company completed $25m Series A investment led by Oriza Seed Capital, Decheng Capital and 3E Bioventures.
Last October, the company partnered with UK's Kymab Ltd. to develop bispecific antibodies against multiple targets with a focus on immune-oncology. Kymab will have the ex-China rights while EpimAb retains the rights to China.
This interview was recorded at ChinaBio® Partnering Forum organized by EBD Group and ChinaBio® Group in Zhuhai, Guangdong, in May 2017.