Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

SHENZHEN Zeyi Cell Therapy Co., a young cell therapy company that commenced operations in Dapeng New Area in September, is dedicated to cancer prevention and treatment. Collaborating with renowned international scientists, Zeyi encompasses a cell therapy research institute, a tech innovation center, a cell freezing bank and a clinic.

As a wholly owned company of Shanghai Cell Therapy Group, a leading cell therapy company in China, Zeyi aims to rapidly advance the field of cell therapy and provide innovative cancer prevention and treatment solutions.

A young firm with seasoned team

Bai Zongke, board chairman of Zeyi, said that despite being a young company, Zeyi boasts a team of experienced researchers who have been devoted to cancer research and treatment for many years. “The company teamed up with 66 staffers, with nearly 40 scientists, accounting for 60% of the personnel,” Bai said. “Scientists in our team are experienced in both clinical treatment and technological research.”

Before officially settling in Dapeng New Area, Zeyi has prepared for three years and has submitted 15 invention patents for technologies related to cancer prevention, early screening and precise cell therapy technologies.

Sources from the World Health Organization showed in 2022 that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths, and China saw 4.57 million new cases of cancer that year.

“However, if we can detect the cancers early and treated effectively, it is possible for us to cure cancers,” Bai said.

According to Bai, Zeyi focuses on three main pillars, namely precise cell therapy technologies, research and development on gut flora and the technologies of Chinese traditional medicine, which hold great promise for humanity in conquering cancer.

Zeyi has also joined forces with Nobel Prize winners, academicians, top-notch scientists and medical experts to launch  Tian Nian Health Stem Cell, which aims to extend people’s life expectancy through precise cell therapy within 20 years. According to Bai, Zeyi’s goal is to establish a world-class cancer control and prevention center.

An ideal location

Considering varying tumor symptoms in different regions, Bai and his team decided to set up a project in South China to cover a broader area. Bai was captivated by Dapeng’s natural environment and settled the company at Baguang Biological Garden, a biotech park in Dapeng that is enveloped by lush greenery and overlooks the sea.

“When I first arrived in Dapeng, especially Baguang, I was deeply moved by the breathtaking views of the area surrounded by the mountains and the sea,” Bai said. “Baguang will provide the scientists with an ideal natural environment that complements their scientific research endeavors.”

Aside from the beautiful scenery, Zeyi also considered favorable measures in the area to settle in Dapeng.

“The Dapeng government is truly service-oriented, providing us support in overcoming various challenges. Our scientists and doctors come from various parts of China and the world. They have faced genuine hardships like finding the right accommodation for their family and schooling for their children. Local officials have been instrumental in helping us coordinate and resolve these issues.”

A pilot city for

legislation

One of the prominent challenges Zeyi faced was getting approval for new anti-cancer drugs and technologies. By positioning its research headquarters in Shenzhen, Zeyi hopes to collaborate with the government in piloting legislation on autologous immune-cell therapy technologies.

“Shenzhen is a special economic zone that serves pilot practices for legislation, I am confident that Shenzhen will lead the country in legislating cell technology in the next two years,” Bai expressed his confidence in the city’s role. “The legislation will enable us to put these technologies into clinical use, and make substantial contributions to society. The clinical effects will generate revenues and provide further impetus for scientific research,” Bai added.

Currently, Bai has been inducted as a member of the Shenzhen Association for Science and Technology to push forward legislation in the cell industry. His involvement in the association enables him to discuss regulatory challenges and explore security boundaries in the field.