China’s biotech start-up ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly, with a wave of companies advancing differentiated assets in RNA, ADCs and cell therapy. Below are five China-based biotechs that have made significant progress through partnerships, INDs, or pipeline expansion.
MediLink Therapeutics
Suzhou-based MediLink is a clinical-stage ADC developer built around its proprietary TMALIN platform. In 2023, BioNTech licensed global rights (ex-China) to a HER3-targeted ADC for USD 70m upfront. A follow-up platform deal in 2024 brought total upfronts to USD 95m, with milestones exceeding USD 1.8bn. While BNT326’s trial was briefly paused by the FDA over safety at high doses, the study resumed with a lower, safer dosing protocol. MediLink’s broader pipeline includes YL201, which received Breakthrough Therapy Designation in June 2025.
Argo Biopharma
Argo, based in Shanghai, develops GalNAc-siRNA therapies for cardiometabolic disease. In one of 2025’s largest RNA deals, Novartis expanded an earlier 2024 collaboration, paying USD 160m upfront for multiple assets and options, bringing the total deal value to over USD 5.2bn. Argo’s lead ANGPTL3 siRNA, BW-00112, is in Phase 2 for hypertriglyceridemia. A separate candidate for hypertension (BW-00163) entered Phase 2 in mid-2025. With six siRNA programs in the clinic and others in discovery, Argo’s rapid growth and execution set it apart among China’s RNA biotechs.
Abogen Biosciences
Known for its COVID-era mRNA vaccine, Suzhou-based Abogen is now targeting oncology. In May 2025, the FDA cleared its IND for ABO2102, a therapeutic mRNA vaccine encoding five KRAS mutations. The US trial includes a combination arm with toripalimab and aims to validate ABO2102’s “pan-KRAS” strategy in multiple tumor types. Preclinical data showed synergy with PD-1 blockade. Abogen continues to invest in mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies, including programs for RSV and autoimmune disease.
Rona Therapeutics
Rona is advancing siRNA drugs with liver and extra-hepatic delivery platforms. In September 2025, it filed an IND with Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee for RN3161, an siRNA targeting INHBE for obesity. The candidate showed durable gene silencing and potential for once- or twice-yearly dosing in primates. Rona’s broader pipeline includes PCSK9, APOC3 and AGT programs in Phase 1-2 for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Its GAIA and APOLLO platforms support expansion into CNS indications, now in preclinical stages.
Neukio Biotherapeutics
Neukio, based in Shanghai, is developing iPSC-derived off-the-shelf CAR-NK therapies for solid tumors. Its platform enables scalable manufacturing of cryopreserved NK cells with custom gene edits. The company has raised USD 90m to date and partnered with EdiGene for CRISPR screening. While clinical trials have not yet started, Neukio aims to file its first IND in 2026. Its industrialized approach to iPSC-based immunotherapy positions it as a leader among China’s allogeneic cell therapy players.