UK Biotechs Seek R&D, Trials and Capital Partnerships in China

Nine UK life science companies visited Shanghai in October 2023 as part of a trade mission organized by London & Partners through Grow London Global. The delegation, focused on sectors including biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health, sought to establish partnerships within China's burgeoning life sciences sector.

The event facilitated business matchmaking, connecting the UK firms with potential Chinese collaborators for research and development (R&D), clinical validation, market access, and investment. Participants actively sought out Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech firms, hospitals, contract research organizations (CROs), data partners, and investors. Axiom Therapeutics, a drug developer, indicated ongoing work with Shanghai CROs and an interest in expanding its R&D footprint, including potential clinical trials discussed with Fudan University.

Curenetics, an AI precision medicine company, is looking to secure partnerships with Chinese hospitals and pharmaceutical entities, alongside local venture capital to fund its expansion. CEO Sola Adeleke expressed a keen interest in Chinese investment to support hiring and establish a local presence.

Chinese attendees, in turn, were assessing overseas technologies and investment prospects. Shanghai Aijin Artificial Intelligence, specializing in neuroimaging technology, is exploring investment and joint development opportunities in China and abroad. CEO Shuyuan Ling projected that international business could constitute up to 70% of operations within three to five years.

This initiative underscores China's growing importance in the global life sciences landscape, not only as a market but also as a hub for R&D, clinical trials, and capital. The trade mission forms part of London & Partners' broader strategy to support companies in their international growth through the Grow London Global program.