June 11, 2025

The Primate Phenotype and Genetics Research Facility (Primate Facility) at the Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), hosted its 5th 2025 User Symposium. Attendees included Dr. Li Yingji, General Manager of Beijing ICROVIS Biotechnology Co., Ltd., and Professor Niu Haichen, General Manager of Xuzhou Zhongshu Biotechnology.

Dr. Li delivered a keynote titled "Target-Based Drug R&D and Translation," emphasizing target validation as foundational to drug development. He outlined global drug target trends, China’s innovation opportunities, and ICROVIS’ integrated platform covering 130+ ion channels, 160+ GPCR targets, and enzyme assays. The platform incorporates gene editing, base editing (e.g., PCSK9 case), and AI screening. Dr. Li advocated for a "target-disease-platform-molecule" R&D framework to accelerate China’s drug pipeline.

Both parties explored collaboration pathways, with Dr. Li proposing progressive project implementation. KIZ Deputy Director Wu Dongdong highlighted resource-sharing for a "target-model-evaluation" drug development chain. Dr. Li’s delegation toured the Primate Facility and affiliated high-level biosafety research centers, noting KIZ’s expertise in large-animal disease modeling for preclinical studies.

ICROVIS provides R&D services in oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, and CNS fields.