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Vietnam Tops APAC in Ambition, Sustainability, and Global Career Outlook, Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight Study Shows

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vietnam’s workforce leads the Asia-Pacific region in career ambition, values-driven job decisions, and openness to working abroad, according to a new white paper from recruitment firm Reeracoen and market research agency Rakuten Insight Global.

The  Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025, which surveyed more than 12,000 workers across 12 APAC markets, reveals that Vietnam ranks highest in three key categories: 58% of Vietnamese professionals strongly aspire to leadership roles, 82% say corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability influence their job decisions, and 62% are open to relocating internationally.

“Vietnamese talent isn’t just looking for better jobs. They are actively preparing for them,” said Masato Sekine, Country Manager at Reeracoen Vietnam. “Ambition, adaptability, and a desire for meaningful work define this next generation of professionals.”

Mr. Masato Sekine, Country Manager at Reeracoen Vietnam
Mr. Masato Sekine, Country Manager at Reeracoen Vietnam

Key Findings from Vietnam:

  • Vietnamese Workers Lead in Ambition: Vietnamese workers have the highest level of career ambition across all 12 markets surveyed, with 58% expressing strong aspirations for leadership roles.
  • CSR and ESG Influence Job Choice: 82% deem CSR and sustainability commitments as critical criteria when evaluating employers. This is the highest response in the region, ahead of Singapore (79%) and the APAC average of 71%.
  • Mobility is Not a Showstopper: 62% are open to relocating abroad, with Japan, Singapore, and South Korea among the top preferred destinations.
  • Wage Expectations are Rising: 32% expect salary increases of more than 10% this year, compared to the regional average of 21%.
  • Growing “Flexibility Gap”: While 74% desire hybrid work, only 51% currently have access to it, creating one of the widest gaps between expectation and reality in the region.

These insights emerge as Vietnam experiences robust economic growth, rising foreign direct investment, and growing demand for digitally skilled and globally aware professionals. At the same time, many employers remain focused on short-term productivity, cautious hiring, and cost containment.

“This report sends a clear signal to Vietnam’s employers,” said Kosuke Soejima, General Director at Reeracoen Vietnam. “Workers are no longer just job seekers. They are evaluating companies based on values, leadership, and long-term opportunity. Businesses that align with these priorities will attract and retain the best talent.”

Mr. Kosuke Soejima, General Director at Reeracoen Vietnam
Mr. Kosuke Soejima, General Director at Reeracoen Vietnam

Why This Matters

Vietnam is emerging as a regional hub for manufacturing, green energy, and digital innovation. Its talent base, composed mainly of Gen Z and millennial professionals, is more globally minded and socially conscious than ever before. The report highlights how worker expectations are shifting and outlines the steps employers must take to remain competitive.

The findings also support Vietnam’s national agenda, including the Green Growth Strategy and Digital Transformation Roadmap, by spotlighting the importance of sustainable practices and skill development in the labour market.

About the Study

The whitepaper synthesises insights from over 12,000 respondents across the APAC region, including Vietnam. It provides both regional analysis and market-specific breakdowns to support workforce benchmarking and strategic planning.

About Reeracoen Vietnam

Reeracoen is an award-winning leader in Asia’s recruitment landscape, connecting top-tier talent with forward-thinking organisations across the region. With 9 offices across 6 major Asian countries, we combine deep local networks with cross-border hiring expertise to help businesses grow faster and stronger. Our excellence has been recognised with recent awards such as: 

  • Best Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2025
  • Best International Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2024
  • Best Executive Recruitment Agency 2024

We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service quality, providing innovative and trusted recruitment solutions to help businesses and candidates succeed in an evolving digital economy. For more information, visit https://www.reeracoen.com.vn/ and follow us on social media.

About Rakuten Insight Global, Inc.

Rakuten Insight Global, Inc. (“Rakuten Insight”) is a wholly-owned online market research subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global leader in internet services, headquartered in Tokyo. Rakuten Insight was established in 1997 as AIP Corporation and became part of the Rakuten Group in 2014. Rakuten Insight possesses a research panel focusing on 12 major Asian markets & the US and a panel network covering 60 countries and regions. With offices in 11 countries and regions, Rakuten Insight provides market research for over 500 leading companies around the world. Rakuten Insight Singapore serves as an off-shore market research hub to drive business development and provide multi-lingual and multi-functional operational support for clients based across Southeast Asia. For more information, visit https://insight.rakuten.com/  and follow us on social media.

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

METiS Technologies Closes RMB 400 Million Series D Financing to Power Beijing’s Biopharmaceutical Innovation Engine

BEIJING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — METiS Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven nanodelivery innovation, today announced the successful completion of its RMB 400 million Series D financing round. The announcement was made at the Zhongguancun (Daxing) Cell and Gene Therapy Industrial Park, a key hub for Beijing’s life sciences sector.

Financing Co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and Daxing Industrial Investment Fund

The Series D round was co-led by the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund and the Daxing Industrial Investment Fund. The new capital will be used to accelerate METiS’ core strategic initiatives, including automation upgrades to its proprietary platform, in-house pipeline development, expansion of global partnerships, and recruitment of world-class talent.

Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund
Left: Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies; Right: Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager, Shunxi Management Co., Ltd., a General Partner of the Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund

The Beijing Medical and Health Industry Investment Fund (Limited Partnership) is one of eight major industrial funds established with support from the Beijing Municipal Government. It focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals, advanced medical devices, and emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy (CGT) and digital health. The fund plays a key role in accelerating the city’s biotech innovation ecosystem.

Mr. REN Peng, Chairman and General Manager of Shunxi Management Co.,Ltd. commented: “Healthcare is a cornerstone of Beijing’s innovation-driven strategy and a vital engine of emerging productivity. With the launch of the city’s AI+Healthcare Innovation Action Plan, Beijing is strategically integrating AI with life sciences to lead the next phase of high-quality growth. Our RMB 20 billion fund reflects our commitment to advancing innovation in CGT. METiS fills a critical gap in advanced formulation and delivery systems, and we believe their technology will set new standards in AI-powered nanodelivery.”

Mr. LI Ming, Chairman of Beijing Daxing District Investment Group Co., Ltd., added:
“Daxing District is committed to making biopharma a core pillar of its economic growth strategy. The launch of the OpenCGT platform marks a major milestone that will accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, while attracting top global talent, capital, and innovation to Daxing – enhancing our competitiveness in CGT on the world stage.”

Mr. HUANG Hantao, Deputy General Manager of CICC Capital, noted:
“We are grateful for the strong support from Beijing’s leadership, Shunxi Management, and Daxing District across policy, capital, talent, and infrastructure. METiS has made tremendous progress over the past two years. As a long-term investor, CICC Capital will continue to support the company in R&D collaborations with our portfolio companies, clinical development, talent acquisition, and capital markets—empowering the next wave of breakthroughs in AI-enabled drug delivery.”

Dr. Chris LAI, Co-founder and CEO of METiS Technologies, stated:
“We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the Beijing municipal government, our investors, and our ecosystem partners. Solving the grand challenge of nanodelivery through AI innovation is not just METiS’ mission—it’s our commitment to the broader life sciences ecosystem. We will continue to develop homegrown, world-class delivery technologies to support the high-quality growth of China’s CGT industry.”

METiS Technologies Becomes a Pillar Enterprise of Beijing’s OpenCGT Platform

CGT represents the third major wave of pharmaceutical innovation, following small molecules and biologics. In 2024, five Beijing authorities—including the Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee—jointly launched a Three-Year Action Plan aimed at accelerating CGT development. The plan sets out to foster over 20 cutting-edge CGT companies by 2027 and establish a globally recognized CGT innovation cluster.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, METiS launched the OpenCGT platform—designed to address key challenges in precision nanodelivery, reduce costs and complexity, and enable the clinical translation of next-generation CGT therapies. This platform is set to become a new engine driving Beijing’s life sciences growth.

Leveraging METiS’ proprietary AI nanodelivery technology, the OpenCGT platform bridges the gap between foundational research in leading academic institutions and major hospitals, and translational work by biotech firms. Its inaugural project is to enable AccurEdit Therapeutics to develop a liver-targeted CRISPR gene-editing therapy using mRNA-LNP delivery.

AccurEdit Therapeutics is a pioneering biotech company developing precise, safe, and effective in vivo gene editing therapies for hereditary and acquired diseases. The company has built a best-in-class, end-to-end platform for in vivo gene editing that integrates RNA synthesis, editing, and delivery technologies. In October 2023, AccurEdit became the first and only company in China to demonstrate systemic CRISPR gene editing in humans with confirmed safety and efficacy.

About METiS Technologies
Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology
. METiS Technologies is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed three proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS’ platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. 

Innovent Receives U.S. FDA Approval for IND Application of Oral GLP-1R Agonist IBI3032

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the investigational new drug (IND) application to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of IBI3032, the company’s novel oral GLP-1R agonist.

IBI3032 is an orally administered small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist with bias for cAMP signaling pathway, discovered and developed by Innovent Biologics with proprietary rights. Preclinical data demonstrate its superior pharmacokinetic (PK) and physicochemical properties compared to peer compounds. In animal models, IBI3032 achieved 5 to 10 times higher oral exposure at equivalent doses, with improved efficacy and good tolerability in both GLP-1R KI DIO mice and obese monkey models, achieving comparable therapeutic effects at lower doses.

The Phase 1 clinical trials of IBI3032 are planned to be conducted concurrently in China and the U.S. Dosing in healthy volunteers and overweight or obese participants is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Innovent is building up its CVM pipeline with mazdutide as the cornerstone, and the initiation of the IBI3032 clinical study marks a significant step in the evolution of its CVM pipeline portfolio with global potential.

Dr. Lei Qian, Chief R&D Officer for General Biomedicines Pipeline at Innovent Biologics, said, “GLP-1 has emerged as a blockbuster target over the past decade. Its oral form, with its convenience, flexibility, and unique advantage in combination treatment strategies, holds promise as a differentiated complement to GLP-1R-targeting biologicals. Beyond traditional applications in diabetes and weight management, oral GLP-1 possess potential in treating related diseases such as hypertension and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). IBI3032 has demonstrated its promising efficacy profiles in animal models, where IBI3032 exhibited a longer elimination half-life and higher drug exposure levels than its competitors at the same dose. We are excited to advance this candidate into clinical development. This IND approval reflects Innovent’s strong R&D capabilities and, most importantly, our commitment to global innovation. We hope that in the near future, IBI3032 can offer more effective and convenient treatment options to benefit patients around the world. “

About IBI3032

IBI3032 is a novel oral small molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). By efficiently and selectively targeting GLP-1R, it activates downstream signal transduction, thereby delaying gastric emptying, inhibiting appetite, and promoting insulin secretion, and ultimately supporting the treatment of insulin-related metabolic diseases such as obesity and T2DB. Discovered through a structure-based drug design (SBDD) strategy combined with systematic physicochemical property optimization, IBI3032 has shown better PK and physicochemical properties compared to similar compounds.

The IND application of IBI3032 was accepted by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A multi-regional Phase 1 clinical study of IBI3032 is planned for initiation in the second half of 2025.

About Innovent Biologics

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 16 products in the market. It has 2 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement:

1Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

2Ramucirumab (Cyramza)Selpercatinib (Retsevmo) and Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) were developed by Eli Lilly and Company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent” or “Company”), are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, the Company’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

The Company, the Directors and the employees of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

Innovent Receives U.S. FDA Approval for IND Application of Oral GLP-1R Agonist IBI3032

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the investigational new drug (IND) application to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of IBI3032, the company’s novel oral GLP-1R agonist.

IBI3032 is an orally administered small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist with bias for cAMP signaling pathway, discovered and developed by Innovent Biologics with proprietary rights. Preclinical data demonstrate its superior pharmacokinetic (PK) and physicochemical properties compared to peer compounds. In animal models, IBI3032 achieved 5 to 10 times higher oral exposure at equivalent doses, with improved efficacy and good tolerability in both GLP-1R KI DIO mice and obese monkey models, achieving comparable therapeutic effects at lower doses.

The Phase 1 clinical trials of IBI3032 are planned to be conducted concurrently in China and the U.S. Dosing in healthy volunteers and overweight or obese participants is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Innovent is building up its CVM pipeline with mazdutide as the cornerstone, and the initiation of the IBI3032 clinical study marks a significant step in the evolution of its CVM pipeline portfolio with global potential.

Dr. Lei Qian, Chief R&D Officer for General Biomedicines Pipeline at Innovent Biologics, said, “GLP-1 has emerged as a blockbuster target over the past decade. Its oral form, with its convenience, flexibility, and unique advantage in combination treatment strategies, holds promise as a differentiated complement to GLP-1R-targeting biologicals. Beyond traditional applications in diabetes and weight management, oral GLP-1 possess potential in treating related diseases such as hypertension and OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). IBI3032 has demonstrated its promising efficacy profiles in animal models, where IBI3032 exhibited a longer elimination half-life and higher drug exposure levels than its competitors at the same dose. We are excited to advance this candidate into clinical development. This IND approval reflects Innovent’s strong R&D capabilities and, most importantly, our commitment to global innovation. We hope that in the near future, IBI3032 can offer more effective and convenient treatment options to benefit patients around the world. “

About IBI3032

IBI3032 is a novel oral small molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). By efficiently and selectively targeting GLP-1R, it activates downstream signal transduction, thereby delaying gastric emptying, inhibiting appetite, and promoting insulin secretion, and ultimately supporting the treatment of insulin-related metabolic diseases such as obesity and T2DB. Discovered through a structure-based drug design (SBDD) strategy combined with systematic physicochemical property optimization, IBI3032 has shown better PK and physicochemical properties compared to similar compounds.

The IND application of IBI3032 was accepted by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A multi-regional Phase 1 clinical study of IBI3032 is planned for initiation in the second half of 2025.

About Innovent Biologics

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 16 products in the market. It has 2 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement:

1Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

2Ramucirumab (Cyramza)Selpercatinib (Retsevmo) and Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) were developed by Eli Lilly and Company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent” or “Company”), are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, the Company’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

The Company, the Directors and the employees of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

Lightium, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Announce Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Device Testing with AI-Driven Solutions

ZURICH and HSINCHU and BOSTON, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lightium AG, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the world’s first Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) for photonic devices.

This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the testing and qualification processes of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices by uniting state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, next-generation hardware, and deep domain expertise. The IAITS platform will deliver breakthrough performance in testing workflows—enabling unmatched efficiency, precision, and scalability to meet the ever-evolving demands of the photonics industry.

A Unified Vision for the Future of Photonics Testing

This partnership is driven by a shared commitment to deliver groundbreaking AI driven and self-optimizing solutions to the photonics industry. By combining Axiomatic_AI’s reasoning-based, artificial intelligence with MPI Corporation’s industry-leading wafer probing systems and automation software, and leveraging Lightium AG’s advanced testing infrastructure and deep expertise in ultra-high-speed photonic device measurements, the collaboration aims to bring fully integrated, intelligent photonic integrated circuit (PIC) test solutions to market.

Together, the three companies are creating a unified AI platform that addresses the growing complexity and performance demands of characterizing photonic integrated circuits—unlocking new levels of automation, precision, and scalability for next-generation applications.

Disruptive Value Creation Across Hardware and Human Resources

The Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) introduces a new paradigm in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) testing, delivering transformative value across both technology infrastructure and human capital.

Key Benefits of IAITS:

  • Increased Throughput: By automating complex test routines, minimizing downtime, and optimizing measurement system utilization, IAITS significantly accelerates test cycles and reduces iteration times.
  • Enhanced Human Efficiency: The system reduces reliance on manual operation, programming, and debugging—freeing skilled personnel to focus on high-value engineering and strategic innovation tasks.

IAITS will be commercially available as an advanced software add-on package for MPI Corporation’s wafer probing systems. Designed to support both R&D and high-volume production environments, the solution sets a new industry benchmark for efficiency, precision, and scalability—ultimately lowering the total cost of testing and accelerating time-to-market for next-generation PIC devices.

About Lightium AG

Lightium AG is a Swiss-based startup specializing in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) foundry and design services, built on its proprietary, production-grade Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. Lightium accelerates customer innovation by delivering unmatched photonic performance, a streamlined and cost-efficient supply chain, and seamless scalability from prototyping to high-volume manufacturing.

As Europe’s first production-grade TFLN foundry, Lightium plays a pivotal role in enabling next-generation photonic solutions across a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, data communications, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and space technologies.

Further information can be found at: Lightium – Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) Photonic Foundry

About MPI Corporation

MPI Corporation, headquartered in Taiwan, is a global leader in advanced probe systems and testing solutions for the semiconductor, photonic, and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) industries. The company designs and manufactures high-performance wafer probing systems known for their exceptional precision, automation capabilities, and scalability—empowering cutting-edge testing across research, development, and high-volume production.

MPI’s innovations play a critical role in advancing next-generation technologies in wireless communication, electronics, and photonics. The company is publicly listed on the Taipei Exchange (TAIEX: 6223).

For more information, please visit: About MPI Corporation – Global Semiconductor Testing Leader

About Axiomatic_AI Inc.

Axiomatic_AI Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a pioneering startup developing physics-based reasoning artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation and reduce the cost and risk associated with deep-tech development. Its cutting-edge AI technologies are redefining how high-tech industries design, measure, and optimize complex systems—enabling faster, smarter decision-making across R&D and production environments.

Learn more at: https://axiomatic-ai.com/mission/