Backed by Decheng Capital, Loyal Valley Capital, OrbiMed, and Other Renowned Investors

SHANGHAI, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivacta Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("Vivacta" or "Vivacta Bio"), an innovative biotechnology company focused on revolutionizing in vivo CAR-T therapies, announces the company recently completed Series A and Series A+ financing of over US$ 50 million. The two series of financing were led by Loyal Valley Capital and Decheng Capital respectively, and participated by renowned investors including OrbiMed, Hankang Capital, Eisai Innovation Inc., C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investment, as well as by existing shareholders such as Qiming Venture Partners, Beijing Shunxi, and Apricot Capital. Investors in Vivacta's Series A and Series A+ financing comprised global industrial capital and specialist biotechnology investors, whose recognition highlights the potential of Vivacta's innovative technologies and fuels accelerated clinical development and global operation of the company.

"We are deeply honored by the recognition and support from a group of leading investors", commented Dr. Liu Yarong, Founder and CEO of Vivacta, "Vivacta is committed to advancing innovative in vivo CAR-T cell therapies. Our core product, GT801, has demonstrated promising safety and efficacy profiles in early clinical studies across hematological malignancies and autoimmune disease patients, potentially offering these patient populations a transformative treatment option to deliver innovative therapies to more patients in need."

The proceeds from this financing round will be used to advance clinical trials for GT801, support GT801 regulatory submission and approval, expand research team and build out our platform, and accelerate Vivacta's global expansion in the in vivo CAR-T field. Initial human data of GT801, Vivacta's core project, was recently reported via an oral report at American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting & Exposition 2025 (ASH 2025) in December 2025. Upon closing of Series A+ financing, Mr. Xie Ronggang from Loyal Valley Capital and a partner from DC Global Ventures joined the board of directors of Vivacta.

About Vivacta

Vivacta is a biotechnology company dedicated to pioneering in vivo CAR-T cell therapy, committed to delivering transformative treatments for cancer patients and autoimmune disease patients. The Company's flagship product, GT801, is a next-generation in vivo CAR-T therapy that has shown significant potential in early clinical studies for treating hematologic malignancies and autoimmune conditions.

About DC Global Ventures

DC Global Ventures is an investment firm that provides capital and strategic support to early-stage life science companies with revolutionary technologies and growth stage healthcare companies with strong market presence. We are a group of dedicated professionals with complementary expertise to build highly successful companies globally. Founded in 2012, DC Global Ventures continues to capitalize on a historic opportunity in the rapid growth of healthcare industry as well as breakthroughs in life science research. With over $2.5 billion in capital and the support from some of the most prestigious limited partners in the world, DC Global Ventures is poised to create value for our investors and entrepreneur partners.

About Loyal Valley Capital

Established in 2015, Loyal Valley Capital (LVC) is a thematic, research-driven private equity firm with strong entrepreneurial culture that invests in companies positioned to benefit from the secular industry transformations in China. LVC mainly focuses on three key sectors: New Consumer, Healthcare, and Advanced Manufacturing. We pride ourselves as a trusted influential shareholder by entrepreneurs, relentlessly focused on active value creation and accelerating growth via strategic initiatives through our extensive network of business leaders in China.

Loyal Valley Capital has built a robust portfolio of more than 110 outstanding leading companies nationwide. Our diversified portfolio covers representative companies across sectors, including Junshi Biosciences, Allist Pharmaceuticals, Henlius Biotech, Akeso Biopharma, Innovent Biologics, Caris Therapeutics, LBL Therapeutics, SurgiRobot, CoreMedic, UNISOC, Supcon Technology, EVE Energy, Biyi Space, Avary Holding, RIGOL Technologies, Qiangyi Semiconductor, Bilibili, Pop Mart, ByteDance, Xiaohongshu, and MAOGEPING. The firm maintains long-term industrial focus and cross-cycle investment vision, committing to delivering sustainable value creation for entrepreneurs, limited partners and the broader society by backing innovative and high-potential enterprises in key strategic industries.

About OrbiMed Advisors LLC

OrbiMed is a leading healthcare investment firm, with over $20 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry, from start-ups to large multinational corporations, through private equity funds, public equity funds, and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMed seeks to be a capital provider of choice, providing tailored financing solutions and extensive global team resources to help build world-class healthcare companies. OrbiMed's team of over 130 professionals is based in New York City, London, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Herzliya, and other key global markets.

For more information, please visit www.orbimed.com.

Vivacta Contact

Yanwen Zhang
Email: yanwen.zhang@vivacta-bio.com
Telephone: +86-21-50828029

SHANGHAI, Dec. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivacta Bio, a spin-off company of Grit Biotherapeutics advancing in vivo CAR-T therapies for oncology and autoimmune diseases, today announced encouraging initial data from an investigator-initiated, first-in-human study of GT801, a T-LNP/mRNA–based in vivo CAR-T candidate targeting CD19. The results were presented in an oral session by Dr. Pin Wang, Chief Scientific Officer of Grit Biotherapeutics, at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The presentation, titled "Precision In Vivo CAR-T Generation via CLAMP-Enabled mRNA Delivery: Toward Scalable and Translatable Cell Therapy," highlighted early clinical activity of GT801 and its potential to reshape CAR-T treatment delivery. 

The Phase 1 investigator-initiated study is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of repeat GT801 dosing in patients with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell malignancies. As of the November 30, 2025 data cutoff, two patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had completed multiple GT801 administrations without lymphodepleting chemotherapy, demonstrating the feasibility of generating functional CAR-T cells in vivo in the absence of cytotoxic conditioning.

Patient 1 received three doses of 0.5 mg, and Patient 2 received four doses of 1.5 mg. GT801 was generally well tolerated. Both patients showed high CAR expression within circulating T cells. Durable and repeatable CAR-T expansion was observed following each GT801 administration. No CAR expression was detected in peripheral blood monocytes, suggesting negligible off‑target delivery of GT801 and supporting high selectivity of the T‑LNP platform.

GT801 induced rapid and profound pharmacodynamic activity, resulting in deep B-cell depletion in peripheral blood and across multiple tissues, with B cells effectively cleared in bone marrow and lymph node biopsies. By Week 4 following the final GT801 infusion, both patients achieved a partial response based on investigator assessment.

"We are encouraged by the promising safety profile and compelling efficacy signals observed with GT801 in heavily pretreated NHL patients," said Dr. Yarong Liu, Founder and CEO of Vivacta Bio. "These initial findings demonstrate GT801's ability to generate potent, repeatable CAR-T responses without lymphodepleting chemotherapy – a major step forward for scalability, patient accessibility, and commercial viability."

About GT801

GT801 is an investigational, systemically administered in vivo CAR-T product candidate that uses T-cell–targeted lipid nanoparticles (T-LNPs) to deliver optimized mRNA encoding an anti-CD19 CAR. The platform integrates Grit Bio's proprietary CLAMP (Controllable Ligand Attachment Modification and Purification) technology, enabling site-specific antibody conjugation, precise ligand density control, and selective T-cell targeting with minimal off-target uptake. GT801 is designed to generate potent and persistent CAR-T cells directly inside the patient, supporting repeat dosing and eliminating the need for conventional ex vivo cell manufacturing.

About Vivacta Bio

Vivacta Bio is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing next-generation in vivo CAR-T therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Leveraging innovations in T-cell–targeted LNP design and advanced mRNA engineering, Vivacta Bio aims to transform complex cell-manufacturing workflows into a convenient, scalable, and repeat-dose in vivo treatment paradigm, broadening global access to transformative immunotherapies. Vivacta Bio is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

About Grit Biotherapeutics

Founded in 2019, Grit Biotherapeutics is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company pioneering next-generation immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Grit's R&D focuses on tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-based therapies and in vivo/off-the-shelf cell-therapy platforms for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company's lead product GT101, the first TIL therapy approved for clinical trials in China, is currently in Phase II pivotal studies. GT201, the world's first membrane-bound IL-15 complex–engineered TIL product, has received IND clearance in China and the United States.

Media Contact

Grit Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd.
Email: BD@grit-bio.com
Website: www.grit-bio.com

BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grit Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd. ("Grit Bio"), a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering next-generation immunotherapies, today announced that its groundbreaking GT801 in vivo CAR-T program has been selected for an oral presentation at the upcoming 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, to be held December 6–9, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, USA.

The abstract, titled "Precision In Vivo CAR-T Generation via CLAMP-Enabled mRNA Delivery: Toward Scalable and Translatable Cell Therapy," was accepted in the CAR-T Cell Therapies: Basic and Translational session. The presentation will be delivered by Professor Pin Wang, Chief Scientific Officer of Grit Biotherapeutics, on Saturday, December 6, 9:30–9:45 AM (local time) at the OCCC – Sunburst Room (W340).

GT801 is an innovative anti-CD19 in vivo CAR-T candidate developed using T-cell-targeted lipid nanoparticles (T-LNPs) encapsulating optimized mRNA. Grit Bio leveraged the proprietary CLAMP (Controllable Ligand Attachment Modification and Purification) technology to achieve site-specific antibody conjugation and precise ligand density control. This approach allows selective T-cell targeting, minimal off-target uptake, and robust, durable CAR expression following systemic administration.

In preclinical studies, GT801 demonstrated:

1. >95% B-cell clearance in humanized PBMC mouse models at doses as low as 0.01 mg/kg;
   
   
2. >80% CAR expression across tissue-resident T cells with <1% off-target delivery to myeloid and hepatic cells;
   
   
3. >30-fold in vivo expansion of CAR-T cells with minimal cytokine release (IL-6, TNF-α), supporting the safety and feasibility of repeat dosing.

Preliminary clinical data further validate efficient CAR expression, deep B-cell depletion, and repeat-dose tolerability, highlighting GT801's strong potential as a scalable, off-the-shelf immunotherapy candidate.

"The invitation to present at ASH 2025 highlights international recognition of Grit Bio's leadership in advancing in vivo CAR-T innovation," said Dr. Yarong Liu, Chairman and CEO of Grit Biotherapeutics. "Our GT801 platform represents a paradigm shift in cell therapy—transforming complex ex vivo manufacturing into a simple, repeatable, and scalable in vivo process. We are eager to share our latest clinical data and explore global partnerships that accelerate the translation of this breakthrough technology to patients worldwide."

About Grit Biotherapeutics

Founded in 2019, Grit Biotherapeutics is an innovation-driven, late-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering next-generation immunotherapies for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases worldwide. The company's R&D focuses on TIL-based therapies and in vivo/off-the-shelf cell therapies for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Grit's lead product GT101, the first TIL therapy approved for clinical trials in China, is currently in Phase II pivotal studies. The company's GT201, the world's first membrane-bound IL-15 complex–engineered TIL product, has received IND clearance in China and the U.S.

Media Contact:

Grit Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd.
Email: BD@grit-bio.com
Website: www.grit-bio.com

SHANGHAI, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grit Biotechnology Co., Ltd. ("Grit Bio"), a clinical-stage biotech pioneering novel immunotherapies announced today that three abstracts featuring new clinical data from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapies will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 42^nd annual meeting, which is taking place in Chicago, IL from May 30^th to June 3^rd.

Grit Bio will provide the clinical updates of its leading TIL programs, including GT101 - an unmodified TIL therapy in treating recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer, GT201 - an armored TIL product expressing membrane bond IL-15 complex in treating various solid tumors, and GT300 - a CRISPR/Cas-edited dual KO TIL product in treating advanced solid tumors. The details of Grit Bio's poster presentations are included below. The abstracts were published via the ASCO website on May 22, 2025.

1. Title: GT101 autologous TIL therapy in patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer: A phase 1 study.
   Presentation Type: Poster
   Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CT, Sunday, June 1^st
   Poster # 431
   Abstract #: 5533
2. Title: Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of GT201: A First-in-Class Autologous Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Monotherapy in Advanced Solid Tumors
   Presentation Type: Poster
   Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CT, Monday, June 2^nd
   Poster #: 446
   Abstract #: 6038
3. Title: Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of CRISPR/Cas-Modified Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (GT300) as Monotherapy in Advanced Solid Tumors
   Presentation Type: Poster
   Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CT, Sunday, June 1^st
   Poster #: 511
   Abstract #: 5613

"We have harnessed cutting-edge technologies, including advanced gene editing tools, to enhance the potency and persistence of our TIL products, enabling the development of multiple differentiated TIL pipelines." said Dr. Yarong Liu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grit Biotechnology. "These therapies have demonstrated promising clinical potential across a wide range of indications. Looking forward, we remain committed to accelerating their clinical advancement and actively seeking global collaborations to bring these transformative therapies to patients worldwide."

About Grit Bio
GRIT Bio was founded in 2019 as an innovative biopharmaceutical company, focused on immune cell treatments for oncology and characterized by a R&D pipeline in TIL therapies. GRIT Bio has completed multiple rounds of equity financing and is backed by renowned venture capital funds. GT101, a proprietary injectable developed by GRIT Bio, is the first TIL therapy that entered registrational clinical trial. GT 101 is currently in pivotal Phase II clinical study. GRIT Bio's GT201 injectable, the first TIL therapy with membrane-bound IL-15 complex, has cleared IND in both US and China. Core R&D platforms of the company include StemTexp^® stemness TIL expansion platform, StaViral^® stably virus transfected cell lines, ImmuT Finder^® immune modulator target discovery platform, and KOReTIL^® high-efficiency gene knock-out system. Based on the platforms, GRIT Bio generated a series of next-generation gene-edited TIL therapies. With internationally advanced technology reserve and industry resources, GRIT Bio aims to develop breakthrough therapies for solid tumors and bring new hope to cancer patients. For further information, please visit: www.grit-bio.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about Grit Biotechnology based on management's current expectations, which are subject to known and unknown uncertainties and risks. Words such as "anticipated," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "may," "will," and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations for our technology platforms, gene therapy candidates in development, collaborations, and plans for commercialization. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risk inherent in developing pharmaceutical product candidates, conducting successful clinical trials, and obtaining regulatory approvals. Except as required by law, Grit Biotechnology assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Investor Contact: +86-21- 50828029, BD@grit-bio.com; Media Contact: +86-21- 50828029, PR@grit-bio.com

SHANGHAI, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grit Biotechnology Co., Ltd. ("Grit Bio"), a clinical-stage biotech pioneering novel immunotherapies announced today that three research programs, in collaboration with Vitalgen BioPharma Co., Ltd. ("Vitalgen"), will be showcased in one oral presentation and two poster sessions at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 28^th annual meeting in New Orleans, LA from May 13^th to 17^th.

Grit Bio will provide the updates of three preclinical programs, including APC-targeted neoantigen cancer vaccine, non-viral-nanoparticle-directed in vivo CAR-T, and LNP-mediated gene editing in tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL). The details of three presentations are:

1. Title: APC-Targeted LNP Enables Systemic Delivery of Neoantigen mRNA Vaccines and Enhanced Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses
   Presentation Type: Oral
   Time: 5:15-5:30 pm local time, Thursday, May 15th
   Speaker: Pin Wang, Ph.D., CSO of Grit Biotechnology
2. Title: In Vivo CAR-T Therapy Powered by Novel CLAMP Technology for T cell-Targeted mRNA Delivery
   Presentation Type: Poster
   Time: 5:30-7:00 pm local time, Wednesday, May 14th
   Poster #: 1282
3. Title: Enhancing Production and Functional Potential of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes via Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
   Presentation Type: Poster
   Time: 5:30-7:00 pm local time, Thursday, May 15th
   Poster #: 1776

"Through a strategic collaboration with Vitalgen, we are pioneering next-generation immunotherapies and precision delivery technologies. This synergy accelerates the development of advanced therapies with transformative improvements in safety and efficacy. We are now expanding those innovations toward global clinical implementation." said Dr. Yarong Liu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grit Biotechnology.

About Grit Bio
GRIT Bio was founded in 2019 as an innovative biopharmaceutical company, focused on immune cell treatments for oncology and characterized by a R&D pipeline in TIL therapies. GRIT Bio has completed multiple rounds of equity financing and is backed by renowned venture capital funds. GT101, a proprietary injectable developed by GRIT Bio, is the first TIL therapy that entered registrational clinical trial. GT 101 is currently in pivotal Phase II clinical study. GRIT Bio's GT201 injectable, the first TIL therapy with membrane-bound IL-15 complex, has cleared IND in both US and China. Core R&D platforms of the company include StemTexp^® stemness TIL expansion platform, StaViral^® stably virus transfected cell lines, ImmuT Finder^® immune modulator target discovery platform, and KOReTIL^® high-efficiency gene knock-out system. Based on the platforms, GRIT Bio generated a series of next-generation gene-edited TIL therapies. With internationally advanced technology reserve and industry resources, GRIT Bio aims to develop breakthrough therapies for solid tumors and bring new hope to cancer patients. For further information, please visit: www.grit-bio.com

About Vitalgen
Vitalgen BioPharma Co., Ltd. is a patient-focused, innovation-driven biotechnology company developing transformative gene therapies. With vertically integrated proprietary platforms, Vitalgen focuses on rare and common diseases while enabling partners to leverage its technologies across multiple therapeutic areas. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, Vitalgen operates state-of-the-art facilities compliant with both China GMP and US cGMP standards. For more information, visit www.vitalgen.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about Grit Biotechnology based on management's current expectations, which are subject to known and unknown uncertainties and risks. Words such as "anticipated," "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "may," "will," and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations for our technology platforms, gene therapy candidates in development, collaborations, and plans for commercialization. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risk inherent in developing pharmaceutical product candidates, conducting successful clinical trials, and obtaining regulatory approvals. Except as required by law, Grit Biotechnology assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shenzhen GRIT Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a leading company in cell therapy globally, today announced the appointment of Jie Jia, Ph.D., as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective on the date of this press release.

Dr. Jia, Jie brings over 20 years of strategic leadership experience within the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries, especially in managing complex projects, establishing new business operations, optimizing processes, and guiding critical decision-making initiatives. Prior to joining GRIT Bio as Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Jia served as a senior executive at CARsgen Therapeutics, where he successfully transformed the company from a startup to a public entity by establishing and spearheading U.S. operations. Before transitioning into the industry, Dr. Jia was an assistant professor at the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Jia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Sichuan University, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a Postdoctoral Fellow Certificate in Molecular Medicine from the Cleveland Clinic, and an MBA in Leadership and Digital Marketing from Youngstown State University.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jia as GRIT Bio's Chief Operating Officer," said Dr. Liu, Yarong, Chairman and CEO of GRIT Bio, "His experience in leading biotech companies and developing markets and collaborations overseas aligns seamlessly with GRIT Bio's international vision. We are confident that Dr. Jia's leadership and professional expertise will accelerate our global mission of developing breakthrough cell therapies for solid tumor patients."

Dr. Jia commented, "I am honored to join GRIT Bio and collaborate with the team. With outstanding scientists and proprietary cell therapy platforms, GRIT Bio has generated multiple differentiated TIL projects that have tremendous potentials, and maintained leading positions in development globally. I look forward to advancing development and collaborations involving the technologies and projects and contributing to the future success of the company."

About GRIT Bio

GRIT Bio was founded in 2019 as an innovative biopharmaceutical company, focused on immune cell treatments for oncology and characterized by a R&D pipeline in TIL therapies. GRIT Bio has completed multiple rounds of equity financing and is backed by renowned venture capital funds. GT101, a proprietary injectable developed by GRIT Bio, is the first TIL therapy that entered registrational clinical trial. GT 101 is currently in pivotal Phase II clinical study. GRIT Bio's GT201 injectable, the first TIL therapy with membrane-bound IL-15 complex, has cleared IND in both US and China. Core R&D platforms of the company include StemTexp^® stemness TIL expansion platform, StaViral^® stably virus transfected cell lines, ImmuT Finder^® immune modulator target discovery platform, and KOReTIL^® high-efficiency gene knock-out system. Based on the platforms, GRIT Bio generated a series of next-generation gene-edited TIL therapies. With internationally advanced technology reserve and industry resources, GRIT Bio aims to develop breakthrough cell therapies for solid tumors and bring new hope to cancer patients. For further information, please visit: www.grit-bio.com

Investor Contact
Yuan Wang
+86-21- 50828029
yuan.wang@grit-bio.com 

Media Contact
Rong Peng
+86-21- 50828029
PR@grit-bio.com

SHANGHAI, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Grit Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (GRIT) and Shandong Quangang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Quangang) announced the establishment of a formal strategic partnership to leverage both parties' R&D capabilities in innovative T-cell therapy. The objective is to jointly develop a globally standardized IL-2 for solid tumor patients receiving T-cell therapy, aiming to localize the global standard IL-2 with accessible prices for Chinese patients.

The focus of the collaboration will be on expanding the indications of Quanqi (125SER) Interleukin-2 (I) products for solid tumors. Quanqi (125SER), as a domestically marketed human Interleukin-2, is primarily used in the treatment of solid tumors such as renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, and lung cancer, etc. Both parties will collaborate to develop a domestically produced substitute to the globally recognized immune-regulating cytokine IL-2 in T-cell therapy, addressing the significant unmet medical needs for Chinese cancer patients.

Grit is a clinical stage cell therapy company leading the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) therapy development in China. Grit's non-gene-engineered TIL program GT101 is in Phase 2 (pivotal) trial -- it is the fastest TIL pipeline in China and plans for BLA filing in 2025. Quangang Pharmaceutical is a leading domestic biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of genetic medicines, boasting GMP facilities and a specialized biotechnology research institute. Both parties have rich technical expertise and product development experience, along with a strong reputation and influence in the biopharmaceutical field in China.

Through this collaboration, GRIT will leverage its extensive experience in T cell therapy to expedite the advancement and commercialization of cell therapy products, providing a broader range of options and instilling hope for a greater number of solid tumor patients in the Chinese market. Both parties affirm that through their joint efforts, there is anticipation for a broader spectrum of Chinese patients to soon gain access to advanced and efficacious T-cell treatment options with the affordable local IL-2 product.

SHANGHAI, Sept. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 8, 2023, Grit Biotechnology announced the completion of a Series B financing round, raising over 60 million USD. The investment was led by CICC with participation from Qianhai Ark, Liando Group, Yuanhe Capital, HeFangTian Venture Partnership and existing investors Sherpa Healthcare Partners, Decheng Capital and Matrix Partners China.

The financing will support Grit Biotechnology's Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) pipeline development, including the pivotal Phase II trial for GT101 and the advancement of next-gen gene-edited TIL products. Founded in 2019, Grit Biotechnology is a pioneering cell therapy company focused on delivering transformative cancer treatments. GT101 is currently the fastest-developing TIL therapy in China and will enter a Phase II trial by the end of 2023.

Grit Bio has four core technology platforms central to its TIL development: StemTexp^®, StaViral^®, KOReTIL^® and ImmuT Finder^®, a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening platform. These platforms have enabled the development of next-generation gene-edited TIL products.

GT201, a genetically engineered TIL product by Grit Biotechnology, boosts T cell survival and function by expressing a vital membrane-bound cytokine. It surpasses traditional TIL therapies in proliferation, tumor-killing and persistence with reduced reliance on IL-2. GT201 IND is approved by CFDA and entered Phase I clinical trials.

GT316, Grit Biotechnology's next-gen TIL product, enhances TIL performance through knock-out of immunoregulatory targets identified via ImmuT Finder^® CRISPR/Cas9 screening. In PDX mouse models, GT316 effectively eliminates tumors supported by low-dose IL-2 support with minimal toxicity. It offers substantial clinical benefits compared to conventional TIL products and is currently in IIT clinical trials in China.

With 100+ experienced professionals and a 10,000 sqm GMP-level cell therapy manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, Grit Bio is a leading player in cell therapy field in China aimed at expediting the development of GT101 and next-generation TIL pipelines and addressing the unmet medical needs of solid tumor patients.

About CICC Capital

CICC Capital is the flagship platform of China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) for its global private equity businesses and has become a leading internationally influential comprehensive alternative investment brand in China. Currently, CICC Capital runs various categories of RMB private equity funds, including real estate and infrastructure, fund of funds and USD private equity funds.

About Qianhai Ark

Qianhai Ark Asset Management Co., Ltd. is one of the leading and top-tier fund managers in China, jointly founded by Mr. Jin Haitao, a representative figure in China's venture capital industry who currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Asset Management Association of China, and Shenzhen Capital Group (SCGC) along with leaders from the financial investment industry. The company is headquartered in Shenzhen, with branch offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Qingdao, and other cities. Qianhai Ark currently manages its funds portfolio includes FOFs, regional funds and specialized funds and manages nearly CNY 70 billion in assets. Qianhai Ark covers various sectors such as information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Qianhai Ark possesses a vast industrial resource pool, facilitating industrial synergy, and providing substantial support to its portfolio companies.

About Liando Group

Liando Group was founded in 1991, focusing on industrial services and park operations. It has developed into an industrial conglomerate with nationwide influence. Its core enterprise, Liando U Valley, currently invests and operates 432 industrial parks in 83 cities across the country, providing services to over 16,000 emerging manufacturing and technology-oriented companies. Liando Group strategically directs its equity funds through direct investment and venture capital to key emerging industrial areas such as life sciences, intelligent manufacturing, and digital technology.

About Yuanhe Capital

Yantai Yuanhe Capital (hereinafter referred to as "Yuanhe Capital") was established in 2019 as the equity management institution for external investments of Yantai Financial Development Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Yantai Financial Group"). As of 2023, Yuanhe Capital has successfully launched 17 funds, managing a total fund size exceeding 3.6 billion yuan and engaging in over 154 investment projects. Yuanhe Capital specializes in providing comprehensive entrepreneurial support and investment opportunities in various sectors, including semiconductors, biopharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. As a dedicated value investor, Yuanhe Capital upholds the core principles of "trust, value, sharing, and cooperation." The firm's primary goal is to invest in and assist visionary and creative entrepreneurs in realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations with success.