Shanghai, China, October 22, 2024 – Asieris Pharmaceuticals and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering (SCME) at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) today announced that they have signed a strategic partnership on photodynamic platforms. Aligned by a shared vision and strategic goals, the two parties will pool their technological expertise, talent, funding, and market resources to co-develop photodynamic platforms and next-generation photodynamic diagnostics and treatments. This collaboration will strengthen their research and innovation capabilities, accelerate the translation of scientific advances into patient treatments, and build strong reputations for both partners with win-win outcomes.
Asieris Pharmaceuticals and ECUST’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering have signed a strategic partnership on photodynamic platforms
Through this strategic partnership, Asieris aims to achieve new breakthroughs in the application of photodynamic technology for tumor diagnosis, early intervention, and treatment, reinforcing its global leadership. As a leading global biopharmaceutical company focused on genitourinary tumors and women’s health, Asieris has built extensive expertise and achieved significant innovation in photodynamic research and development. Its portfolio includes APL-1706, the world’s only approved optical imaging solution for bladder cancer diagnosis and surgery, and APL-1702, a first-in-class combination of drug and medical device for non-surgical photodynamic treatment of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). The new drug applications of both products have been accepted by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and are currently under regulatory review.
SCME at ECUST is home to prestigious international collaboration platforms, including the Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center led by Nobel Laureate Bernard Feringa, and the Ministry of Education’s International Cooperation Joint Laboratory. The school boasts a distinguished faculty, featuring renowned experts such as members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, foreign academicians of the Chinese and European Academies of Sciences, and the Russian Academy of Engineering. SCME excels in fluorescent probe molecules, chemiluminescent nanotechnology, and photodynamic therapies, with unique technical advantages and a robust talent pool. The school aims to advance the application of scientific research, foster cross-disciplinary talent, and further build its academic reputation and social impact.
Under this partnership, both sides will leverage the school’s photodynamic technology platforms to co-develop solutions for compound design and efficacy evaluation, while defining technical routes and R&D plans. They will hold regular discussions to share product information, research findings, and R&D experience, while collaboratively working out training programs to enhance R&D personnel’s professional skills. Asieris will manage market promotion strategies, integrate market resources, and promote the jointly developed products and technologies.
Academician Zhu Weihong and Dr. Kevin Pan
At the signing ceremony, Dr. Kevin Pan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Asieris Pharmaceuticals, said, “This partnership with the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology marks a significant stride in bolstering Asieris’ leadership in photodynamic diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary diseases. We believe that through our close collaboration, we can accelerate the research, development, and commercialization of next-generation photodynamic technologies, ultimately benefiting even more patients in need.”
Zhu Weihong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and vice president of East China University of Science and Technology, said, “Our school has a strong research foundation and an outstanding talent pool in chemistry and molecular science. Partnering with Asieris will empower us to transform scientific discoveries into practical applications while providing invaluable hands-on opportunities for our faculty and students. We look forward to advancing photodynamic diagnosis and treatment technologies together through this collaboration, making even greater contributions to society.”
About School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology
The School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology aspires to be a world-class institution, addressing critical national strategic needs such as health and medicine while focusing on molecular engineering for precision healthcare. The school aims to establish itself as a globally recognized center for chemical research, team building, and talent development. Acknowledged multiple times in the national “Double First-Class” initiative, it has nurtured influential researchers and multidisciplinary professionals who have made significant contributions to the country’s scientific advancement, economic growth, and public health. By leveraging its unique strengths in chemistry, the school seeks to create a distinguished talent training and research base, positioning itself as a leading institution with cutting-edge academic research and a pivotal role in engineering chemistry education.
About Asieris
Asieris Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharma company focused on genitourinary tumors and women’s health. We strive to improve human health to preserve patient’s dignity. We aim to become a global pharma leader that integrates R&D, manufacturing and commercialization in our areas of focus, as we provide best-in-class integrated diagnosis and treatment solutions for patients in China and worldwide.
