Welcome to CABS 2026 BioPacific Conference

Click Here To Register!

We are thrilled to announce that CABS will host the 2026 BioPacific Conference on September 19th, 2026, at the South San Francisco Conference Center, We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting conference！

Click the "Click here to register!" link to register on our Eventbrite page!

We are currently seeking additional sponsors to support this impactful event. If your organization is interested in partnering with us, please reach out via email at fundraising@cabsweb.org.

Registration Fees 

Registration online as early as possible is highly recommended.

The registration on Sep 19, 2025 and on-site will be $250.

Category	Early Bird (by 8/31/2026)	9/1/2026 - 9/18/2026	Onsite 9/19/2026
CABS Member -  General	80	120	250
CABS Member -  Academic	50	70	250
Non-CABS Member - General	140	180	250
Non-CABS Member - Academic	110	130	250

South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Announcing 2026 CABS K. Fong Award in Life Sciences

Chinese American Bio/Pharmaceutical Society (CABS) Honors Dr. Randy Schekman and Dr. Joseph C. Wu with the 2026 K. Fong Award in Life Sciences

South San Francisco, CA - The Chinese American Bio/Pharmaceutical Society (CABS) proudly announces Dr. Randy Schekman, Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Nobel Prize Laureate and Dr. Joseph C. Wu, Director of Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine and Radiology at Stanford Universityas the recipients of the prestigious 2026 CABS K. Fong Award in Life Sciences. Marking the 13th anniversary of this esteemed accolade, the award honors Dr. Schekman and Dr. Wu for their exceptional contributions to research, education, and translational innovation. The award will be presented at the 2026 BioPacific Conference on September 19, 2026, at the South San Francisco Conference Center.

Dr. Randy Schekman

Dr. Randy Schekman is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.  He studied the enzymology of DNA replication as a graduate student with Arthur Kornberg at Stanford University.  His current interest in cellular membranes developed during a postdoctoral period with S. J. Singer at the University of California, San Diego.  Among his awards are the Gairdner International Award, the Albert Lasker Award in Basic Medical Research and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which he shared with James Rothman and Thomas Südhof.  He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, a Foreign Associate of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, a Foreign Associate of the Royal Society of London and an Honorary Academician of the Academia Sinica.   In 1999, he was elected President of the American Society for Cell Biology.  From 2002-2017, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Annual Reviews of Cell and Developmental Biology.  From 2006 - 2011 he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Proceedings of the NAS.  In 2011, he founded and until 2019 served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Open Access journal, eLife, sponsored by the HHMI, Wellcome Trust and the Max Planck Society.  Beginning in 2019, Schekman became the scientific director of Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s, an effort supported by the Sergey Brin Family Foundation to identify and support basic research on the mechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease initiation and progression (https://parkinsonsroadmap.org).

Schekman’s laboratory investigates the mechanism of membrane protein traffic in the secretory pathway in eukaryotic cells.  Currently the lab investigates the mechanism of biogenesis and function of extracellular vesicles and the unconventional secretion of alpha-synuclein as a potential means of the spread of brain pathology in Parkinson’s Disease.

Dr. Joseph C. Wu

Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD is Director of Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine and Radiology at Stanford University. Dr. Wu received his MD from Yale University and a PhD (Molecular & Medical Pharmacology) from University of California, Los Angeles. He is currently president of the Association of University Cardiologists (2026).

Dr. Wu’s research integrates genomics, stem cells/organoids, AI, and drug discovery. The main goals are to (i) understand fundamental disease mechanisms, (ii) advance precision medicine for patients, and (iii) accelerate drug discovery through “new alternative methodologies” (NAMs) and “clinical trial in a dish” (CTiD) concept.  Dr. Wu has published >700 manuscripts with H-index of 151 on Google scholar. He has been listed among the top 0.1% of highly cited researchers by Web of Science for 8 consecutive years (2018-2025).

Dr. Wu has received several awards, including the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, NIH Roadmap Transformative Award, Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) given out by President Obama at the White House, American Heart Association (AHA) Distinguished Scientist Award, AHA Merit Award, and Burroughs Wellcome Foundation Innovation in Regulatory Science Award. Dr. Wu previously served as President of the American Heart Association (2023-2024) and was on the FDA Cellular, Tissue, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee (2017-2025). He currently sits on the Boards of the Keystone Symposia, AHA, and Greenstone Biosciences (https://greenstonebio.com/), a startup that he co-founded which focuses on NAMs for drug discovery.

Dr. Wu is an elected member or fellow of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), Association of University Cardiologists (AUC), American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), American Association of Physicians (AAP), Academia Sinica (Taiwan), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE), National Academy of Inventors (NAI), and National Academy of Medicine (NAM).

CABS is honored to recognize Dr. Schekman and Dr. Wu’s outstanding achievements, which have advanced the frontiers of science and contributed to improved human health. Their commitment to rigorous research, education, and innovation exemplifies the values of the K. Fong Award in Life Sciences.

For media inquiries and press registration for the award ceremony, please contact: info@cabsweb.org.

About CABS K. Fong Award in Life Sciences

The CABS K. Fong Award in Life Sciences is an esteemed annual recognition presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the fields of life sciences and the biopharmaceutical industry including outstanding scientific findings, recognized efforts in promoting life science education and initiatives in improving life science community, and those who bring therapeutic breakthroughs to the market and improve healthcare and quality of life.

Candidates eligible for this award must be nominated by an active member of CABS. Selection criteria are based on candidate’s accomplishments in life sciences and contribution to the life science community, including one or all of the following:

• Proven achievements in therapeutic breakthroughs (including discovery, process, or clinical development), diagnostics or research reagent/equipment markets.

• Significant contribution to the promotion of academic and industrial R&D in biomedical sciences and applications.

• Significant contribution to the CABS community and promotion of international collaborations in life sciences.

The CABS K. Fong Award in Life Sciences aims to celebrate and honor exceptional individuals whose achievements and commitment have not only expanded the frontiers of life sciences but have also positively impacted global healthcare and well-being.

About Dr. Kenneth Fong

Dr. Kenneth Fong has spent the last 42 years in the biotech industry after completing his academic pursuit in biomedical research.

He is best known for founding the biotech company, Clontech in 1984 which he built into one of the largest biomedical tool companies founded by an Asian American in the US (400 employees including 65 PhD scientists). Clontech was acquired by Becton Dickinson in 1999 and Ken has continued his career as a Venture capitalist with Kenson Ventures that he founded. He has since cultivated 12 highly successful entrepreneurs, advising them and working with them on the growth of their companies.

Currently, he sits on the board of 4 biotech companies and he was intimately involved with the M/A and IPO of more than 15 companies that are worth more than $7 billion. These companies range from research tools, medical diagnostics and drug development. In almost all cases, Dr. Fong has been instrumental in providing strategies for sustainable growth, value creation and liquidity. Those successful entrepreneurs have moved on to assume leadership in other start-up and mid-sized companies, which in turn led to a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Ken has held a number of leadership positions over the years. He served as the President of the Society of Chinese Bioscientists in North America (2006-2007) and President of the Bay Area Asian American Manufacturers' Association (AAMA, 1987). He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the California State University System (2006-2013). His philanthropic interests include scholarships to San Francisco State University, the Kenneth Fong-Hearst endowed scholarships to the CSU system and 40 student scholarships to Peking University. In 2003, he was involved with establishing the Fong Optometry and Medical library at UC Berkeley, and more recently an endowed professorship at Stanford University and a technology translation endowed fund at San Francisco State University.

Ken obtained his PhD from Indiana University and his post-doctoral studies at UCLA & NIH.

Past recipients of CABS K. Fong Awards

2025. Dr.Liqun Luo, Ann and Bill Swindells Professor of Biology at Stanford University, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator for his outstanding achievements, which have advanced the frontiers of brain science and contributed to improved human health.

2024: Dr. Zach Sweeney, Venture Partner at Versant Ventures, CEO and co-founder of Interline Therapeutics, CSO at Denali Therapeutics for his exceptional contributions and transformative impact on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields.

2023:Dr. Corey Goodman, Managing Partner at venBio, for his groundbreaking discoveries in neural development and axon guidance, as well as his visionary leadership in translating science into successful biopharmaceutical ventures that have significantly advanced human health.

2022: Dr. Scott Liu, Founder and CEO of HanchorBio, for his outstanding and pioneering contribution to the development of multiple biologic products from research to launch.

2021: Dr. John O. Link, Vice President of Gilead Sciences for his work on the drug discovery of Hepatitis C inhibitors and the HIV Capsid Inhibitor; and Dr. Xian-Ping Lu, Chairman, CEO of Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Co. LTD, for their extraordinary achievements in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

2019:  John V. Oyler, Chairman, Co-Found and CEO of BeiGene, for his entrepreneurship and business leadership to establish BeiGene as a world-class biopharmaceutical company.

2018: Dr. Yuling Luo, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Alamar Biosciences (formerly the founder & CEO of Advanced Cell Diagnostics, ACD), and Dr. Guoliang Yu, Executive Chairman of Crown Bioscience, for their successful serial entrepreneurship in the life science business.  

2017: Dr.Yinxiang Wang, Co-founder and CSO of Beta Pharma, for his role in leading development and commercialization of Conmana^®, the first small molecule oncology drug specifically targeting cancer cells that was completely developed in China; and Dr. Edgar Engleman, for his pioneering research that was the basis of the Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) prostate cancer vaccine, the first active immunotherapy for cancer to be approved by the FDA.

2016: Dr. Gerald Chan, Co-founder of Morningside, for his extraordinary vision and leadership in cultivating a generation of successful entrepreneurs and life sciences companies.

2015: Dr. Irving Weissman, Professor of Stanford University, for his pioneering work in stem cell research.

2014: Dr. Ge Li, Founder and CEO of Wuxi Apptec, for pioneering and shaping the CRO business model in China; and Dr. Hing L. Sham, formerly of Abbott for his leading role in the discovery of life-saving HIV protease inhibitors, ritonavir and Iopinavir.

2013: Dr. Peter Hirth of Plexxikon & Sugen for his pivotal role in advancing 4 successful drugs to the market; and Dr. Jean Cui, formerly of Pfizer for her role as the lead designer and investigator of crizotinib, a successful kinase inhibiting drug used in personalized medicine.

• 
  

South San Francisco Conference Center

Translational AI in Biomedicine: From Discovery to Real-World Impact

This workshop focuses on how artificial intelligence is transforming biomedical research and drug development. It brings together experts from academia and industry to explore how AI can accelerate discovery and improve the transition of scientific advances to real-world applications. The program highlights emerging AI approaches across the discovery-to-development spectrum and the practical considerations for applying them in life sciences. Ultimately, the workshop aims to encourage collaboration and generate new ideas for advancing AI-enabled biomedical innovation.

Workshop Agenda

Time	Title	Speakers
9:00 – 9:10 AM	Welcome Remarks from CABS	Sihong Zhou CABS President
9:10 – 9:20 AM	Introduction of the Workshop and Speakers	Alex Yang, CABS STC Co-chair, Vir Biotechnology
9:20 – 10:05 AM	Al Agents to AccelerateBiomedical Discoveries	James Zou, Associate Professor, Stanford
10:05 – 10:50 AM	TBD	Le Cong, Associate Professor, Stanford   Charles Wu,  AI researcher, Stanford
10:50 – 11:15 AM	Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:00 PM	Building the Life Science Super-Entrepreneur with AI: Engineering Commercialization Back to Discovery	Xi Fang, CEO of Innovo Health Labs
12:00 – 12:30 PM	TBD	Michelle Che, President and CEO of Form Bio
12:30 – 1:00 PM	Panel discussion and Closing Remarks	Lin Wang, CABS STC Co-chair, Gilead
1:00 – 2:30 PM	Lunch and Networking

Sponsor:

Innovo Health Labs

 Innovo Health Labs

1633 Old Bayshore Hwy #280, Burlingame, CA 94010

Navigating Business Transactions and Deal-Making in Biotech

Join us for an engaging evening of insights and connections at Navigating Business Transactions and Deal-Making in Biotech. This dynamic event brings together industry experts, innovators, and professionals to explore the critical elements of business transactions in the biotech space. Featuring a keynote session by K&L Gates, an inspiring fireside chat with entrepreneur Keting Chu on the journey behind Bluejay, and a thought-provoking panel discussion, the program offers valuable perspectives for anyone involved in biotech ventures. The evening concludes with a networking session—an excellent opportunity to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with peers and leaders in the field. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. 

Agenda:

4:30–5:00 pm: Check-in and Introduction

5:00–6:00 pm: Essentials in Business Transactions – by K&L Gates

6:00–6:45 pm: Fireside Chat with Keting: The Story of Bluejay

6:45–7:00 pm: Break

7:00–7:45 pm: Panel Discussion

7:45–8:30 pm: Networking

Speakers: 

Keting Chu, MD. Ph.D

Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Bluejay Therapeutics, Inc.

Dr. Keting Chu is an experienced biotech executive, entrepreneur and life science venture inv estor with a broad range of experiences in therapeutic development in both large and small biotechnology companies and venture investments.

Prior to founding Bluejay, Keting was a Partner and a Venture partner at LYFE Capital. Working with the team in Lyfe capital, Keting helped to close $550M Lyfe Capital Fund III and invested in Ansun Biopharm, Pliant Therapeutics and Tempest Therapeutics. Pliant and Tempest went IPO in NASDAQ successfully in 2020 and 2021. Keting was a venture partner in Apple Tree Partners briefly. Before joining Apple Tree Partners, Keting spent five years as VP, Research TAP at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). There she was responsible for venture philanthropy, also known as the Therapy Acceleration program. At LLS, Keting led the investment into Celator, Stemline, Constellation, Affimed, ArgenX, Kite Pharma, Kiadis, OncoPep, Valor and a number of projects in academic institutions with the focus on proof-of-concept (POC) studies in patients. Three of the nine companies received “Breakthrough” designation by the FDA in 2016 after positive proof-of-concept studies. Celator was acquired by Jazz Pharma for $1.5B, Kite by Gilead for $12B and Stemline by Menarini for $677M. Three NDAs, by Celator, Kite and Stemline, were approved by the US FDA successfully. Prior to LLS, Keting was the CEO of Mission Therapeutics and the Co-Founder, President and CEO of DigitAB, Inc. and BioCubed Corporation. For her first startup company, Five Prime Therapeutics, Keting was Vice President of Biology and Head of R&D where she built the R&D strategy and team, established the technology platform and generated a product pipeline. Prior to Five Prime, Keting was the Head of Immunotherapy and Antibody Therapeutics Division at Chiron Corporation, where she engaged in preclinical and clinical developments of protein, DNA-based, and small molecule therapeutics for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Three cancer therapeutic antibodies that keting led the team from discovery to phase I clinical trials went through phase II and III clinical testing.

Keting earned her MD in Sun Yat-sen Medical University specialized in infectious diseases in China, and Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). She also conducted her postdoctoral training at Cardiovascular Research Institute at UCSF.

Linda Zhou, Partner, K&L

Linda Zhou has more than 20 years of experience in working with technology and biopharma companies and investors in venture capital and corporate transactions, including VC financings, M&As, licensing, joint ventures,and fund formations. Linda’s corporate representation includes work with many emerging companies as well as larger companies and VCs.

Linda works frequently on cross-border transactions. She has developed a robust practice guiding domestic clients in their outbound investment and assisting foreign companies in their inbound business expansion. She has acted as a trusted advisor for numerous technology companies and investors in complex acquisitions and global operations across key economic countries. Linda co-leads the firm’s Emerging Growth and Venture Capital practice. She is an experienced and well-known business lawyer in several local technology communities.

Linda obtained her Master of Laws in University of Wisconsin-Madison.

David Lu is a Chambers USA and LMG Life Sciences-recognized patent lawyer and a leader in intellectual property strategy and portfolio management. He is a partner in the firm's Intellectual Property practice, where he advises clients in the life sciences sector on patent prosecution, strategic IP portfolio development, and intellectual property due diligence related to mergers, acquisitions, licensing transactions, and investment activities. David has designed and implemented global patent strategies across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and has managed high-impact portfolios for international enterprises, mid-sized biotechs, and venture-backed startups. He also provides patent landscape analysis, freedom-to-operate assessments, and patentability evaluations to support clients' innovation and commercialization efforts.

Prior to joining the firm, David served as a partner and co-lead of the life sciences group at a US-based law firm. Before transitioning into his legal profession, David conducted cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, contributing to advancements in DNA damage response and BRCA1 biology, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms and microRNA-mediated regulation. His earlier academic work at Duke University focused on RNA biology and virology, exploring mRNA and viral microRNA biogenesis. David has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals and presented his research at renowned international conferences.

David obtained his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School (Intellectual Property Concentration with Distinction) and PhD from Duke University for Molecular Genetics and Microbiology.

Please scan the QR code to Register:

3000 El Camino Real, 5 Palo Alto Square, Suite 125, Palo Alto, CA 94306

2026 Career Advisory Netword (CAN) Program

We are pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2026 Mentee/Mentorship program.

Over the last 2 years the Career Advisory Network team has had the privilege of hosting this esteemed program and watching business relationships and partnerships form and grow.

This is a very popular event, so please ensure you sign up before slots close. To our mentees: this program is free for CABS members and grants you access to a mentor with experience in the biotech field across academia, industry, research, business development and more.

To our mentors, this is a great opportunity to help the next generation grow and perhaps inspire someone that will impact them for the rest of their careers.

Registration: 3/30 - 4/11

Kick-off Event: 4/25

Mentor-mentee Interactions: May - Oct

Graduation: Nov

Please reach out to your co-chairs if you have any questions.

fengpan.fox@gmail.com

jwong@enigmarecruiters.com

CABS Workshop - Business Roles in Life Science

Organizer: CABS & Stanford Chinese Postdoctoral Association

Ready to take your science career beyond the bench?

Excited to share an upcoming in-person workshop co-hosted with Stanford Chinese Postdoctoral Association— Business Roles in Life Science.

Join us Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 AM to 12 PM at Stanford University!

Whether you’re a student, postdoc, or research professional, this interactive session is tailored to help you understand how scientific training translates into impactful careers outside the lab.

️ What to expect:

• Insights from professionals in consulting, investment, business development, sales & marketing and biotech founder

• Real talk about day-to-day responsibilities in business roles

• Tips on how hiring decisions are made — and how to position yourself to stand out

• Practical guidance for navigating career transitions with confidence

• Great opportunities to network and ask questions live!

Whether you’re exploring new paths or actively preparing for a shift into industry, this event delivers real-world perspectives to help you confidently navigate the business side of life sciences.

Save your spot and join the conversation:

️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/g-DS4Ynz

Palo Alto, CA

Genetic Medicine Workshop Recap

Organizer: CABS STC | Sponsor: CoSynBio

Overview

On January 24, 2026, the Science & Technology Committee (STC) of Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS) successfully hosted the Genetic Medicine Workshop, “Expanding Horizons in RNA and DNA Therapeutics: Delivery Technologies and Beyond”. Sbrought together ponsored by CoSynBio, the event more than 70 scientists and industry leaders from academia and biopharmaceutical companies to explore emerging delivery technologies and enabling platforms for RNA and DNA therapeutics.The workshop focused on the rapidly evolving field of nucleic acid therapeutics and gene editing, with particular emphasis on key biological and technical bottlenecks—including biodistribution, endosomal escape, and nuclear entry—and how these challenges are being addressed through innovative lipid nanoparticle (LNP) engineering, antibody-based conjugation strategies, and AI-enabled discovery platforms. Through four in-depth scientific presentations and an engaging panel discussion, the event offered attendees both strategic perspectives and practical insights into the future of genetic medicine. The workshop opened with a warm welcome and introduction to CABS by Dr. Sihong Zhou (President of CABS), followed by an overview of the agenda and speaker introductions by Dr. Alex Yang (Co-Chair of the STC).

Scientific Presentations

The first presentation, “LNPs and Beyond: The Evolving Landscape of Nucleic Acid Delivery Platforms,” was delivered by Dr. Jingjing Zhou (VP, Cosychem; CEO, Cosyngen). Dr. Zhou outlined the expanding nucleic acid therapeutics market and emphasized that successful delivery remains the central determinant of clinical success. He discussed the multifactorial challenges of nucleic acid delivery—including clearance, immune recognition, off-target effects, and endosomal escape—and described how Cosychem’s three-pillar innovation platform integrates delivery systems, raw materials, and therapeutic pipelines to address these hurdles.Dr. Zhou highlighted Cosychem’s extensive database of over 1,000 ionizable cationic lipid structures and demonstrated how AI-enabled design has substantially improved development efficiency and organ-specific targeting. Through rational lipid engineering and formulation optimization, the platform has achieved selective delivery to liver, spleen, lung, brain, and muscle tissues without reliance on antibody conjugation. His presentation underscored the importance of balancing safety, efficacy, stability, and manufacturability in LNP design and concluded with examples of successful industry partnerships and licensing opportunities.

The second talk, “Development of DNA-LNP Platforms and In Vivo Liver Targeting of Complex Nucleic Acid Payloads,” was presented by Dr. Lijun Huang (former Senior Principal Scientist, Poseida Therapeutics). Dr. Huang traced the evolution of LNP technologies from mRNA delivery to advanced DNA-LNP systems capable of in vivo gene insertion. He discussed the unique challenges facing DNA delivery—including low transfection efficiency, innate immune activation, and nuclear entry—and described how these issues are being addressed through novel cyclohexyl-based ionizable lipids, GalNAc-PEG detargeting strategies, and co-delivery of mRNA and DNA payloads.

Dr. Huang further introduced innovative DNA-binding excipients that enhance intracellular trafficking and nuclear delivery, significantly improving in vivo gene editing outcomes while reducing inflammatory responses. Preclinical data demonstrated effective liver targeting, durable gene insertion, and functional protein restoration in disease models, highlighting the promise of DNA-LNP platforms for scalable and repeat-dosable gene therapies.

After a short break, Dr. Kai-Yuan Chen (Director and Head of Computational Genomics and Data Science, Scribe Therapeutics) delivered the third presentation, “Rewriting the Genome with Code: AI-Driven Next-Generation Gene Therapeutics.” Dr. Chen addressed the immense design complexity inherent in CRISPR-based drug development and discussed why traditional experimental and computational approaches are insufficient to navigate this vast search space.He introduced the concept of a “lab-in-the-loop” framework that integrates next-generation sequencing, multimodal AI models, and automated high-throughput experimentation to accelerate the design–build–test–learn cycle. By combining high-quality data generation with AI-driven optimization, this approach has dramatically improved hit rates and shortened development timelines. Dr. Chen concluded by challenging the audience to reconsider long-held assumptions about the pace of drug development in an era increasingly shaped by automation and artificial intelligence.The final presentation, “Cutting-Edge Advances Shaping the Future of RNA Therapeutics,” was delivered by Dr. Ivy Fu (Senior Scientist, Eurofins). Dr. Fu provided a broad overview of the evolution of RNA therapeutics, from vaccines to chronic and disease-modifying treatments, and highlighted why RNA-based medicines can access targets beyond the reach of traditional modalities.She discussed emerging strategies to overcome key delivery barriers, including engineered LNPs for extrahepatic targeting and antibody-conjugated delivery systems. Dr. Fu presented compelling examples of antibody-conjugated LNPs enabling cardiomyocyte delivery, supported by rigorous analytical and imaging methodologies. She also introduced Antibody–RNA Conjugates (ARCs) as a modular, carrier-free delivery platform with favorable tolerability and broad applicability. Her talk emphasized how advances in bioanalytics, automation, and machine learning are accelerating development and enabling scalable RNA delivery platforms.

Panel Discussion and Networking

The workshop concluded with a lively panel discussion and Q&A session moderated by Dr. Alex Yang. Panelists and attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions on delivery modality selection, translational challenges, regulatory expectations, and long-term safety considerations. Topics included the balance between transient and permanent gene modification, lessons learned from recent viral vector setbacks, ethical considerations in genetic medicine, and the growing role of nonviral and in vivo cell-based approaches.Participants emphasized the importance of robust analytics, transparent risk assessment, improved translational models, and AI-enabled data integration to de-risk first-in-human studies. The discussion reflected a shared recognition that delivery technologies will continue to define the trajectory of RNA and DNA therapeutics.

Closing Remarks

The workshop concluded with strong enthusiasm and overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees valued the depth of scientific discussion, practical insights, and opportunities for cross-sector exchange. A networking lunch provided a relaxed environment for continued dialogue, fostering new connections and potential collaborations.With the support of CoSynBio, the speakers, organizers, and dedicated volunteers, the 2026 CABS Genetic Medicine Workshop was a resounding success. The event left participants inspired and well positioned to translate emerging delivery innovations into impactful therapeutic programs.

This workshop was made possible through the generous support of CoSynBio.

1633 Old Bayshore Hwy #280, Burlingame, CA 94010

Welcome to CABS 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration Party

You are cordially invited to attend 2026 Chinese New Year celebration party organized by the Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS). Please come to enjoy music, singing, dancing,  and other entertainments performed by local Chinese dancers and artists, experience authentic Chinese foods, having fun solving riddles, prize draw and much more.

Please mark your calendar for this free event, and please note:

1, If you want to have lunch onsite, you have to make a donation to get a ticket for lunch. No ticket no lunch and no onsite donation accept.

2, Without a lunch ticket, you are welcome to register free ticket to enjoy our free show, it's a must as there is a max capacity limit of activity center.

3, Kids under 5 years old do not need a donation to get a lunch ticket.

4, Your early online donation will be greatly appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating Year of the Horse together!

Big thanks to our sponsors:

GemPharmatech is a global contract research organization that provides comprehensive preclinical research services and over 25,000 genetically engineered mouse models, including KO, cKO, humanized, immunodeficient mice, and more. We support drug discovery through custom model generation, breeding, and compound efficacy testing in China and the U.S., advancing research worldwide.

GenY Financial Advisors is a community of young advisors from Generation Y(1980–1995), dedicated to serving our peers. We host weekly webinars and in-person events across the Bay Area, Seattle, San Diego, Houston, and New York. Our mission is to help fellow Gen Y families start saving early, optimize taxes, plan for kids’ education, and care for aging parents—many of whom are retiring in the U.S. with us. Practical, relatable, and rooted in real life—we grow together.

Vazyme (688105.SH) is a global biotech supplier dedicated to advancing life science through innovative enzyme technology and continuously expanding the application fields of our core technologies in life science, in vitro diagnostics, bio-medicine, and others.

WuXi Biologics is a leading global CRDMO, with the R represented by our premium-quality CRO Services. With expertise in diverse drug modalities, we deliver comprehensive research services, including antibody discovery, protein production and engineering, and in vitro/in vivo testing, to seamlessly advance our clients’ molecules from concept to CMC development.

Founded in 2010 and listed in 2021, ACROBiosystems Group is a global biotechnology company serving the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries with innovative products and services. The company operates worldwide with R&D and manufacturing sites across the U.S. and Europe, and partners with leading pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. Its offerings span recombinant proteins, antibodies, kits, and scientific services, supporting drug discovery through clinical and commercial development.

Remitly is a Nasdaq-listed company trusted by millions globally for over 15 years. As an official partner of Alipay and WeChat Pay, Remitly offers fast, easy, and reliable international money transfers—making it simple to send support, care, and connection across borders with transparency, security, and peace of mind.

Sandpiper Community Center, 797 Redwood Shores Parkway, Redwood City, CA 94063

2026 Investor Forum Recap

Organizer: CABS BCD & Morrison Foerster | Sponsor: WuXi Biologics

Overview

On January 14, 2026, the Business and Career Development (BCD) of Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS) and Morrison Foerster hosted a one-day investor forum at the Morrison Foerster office in San Francisco, California. The event attracted nearly 300 attendees, including more than 70 investors. It was moderated by Wenjia Gu (CABS BCD co-chair) and Sihong Zhou (CABS President).

This forum is a high-level biotech conference featuring venture capital insights, panel discussions, and startup pitches. Jonathan Norris of HSBC provides a detailed overview of the healthcare investment landscape, highlighting a shift from the record-breaking highs of 2021 toward more cautious mega rounds and "insider" funding in recent years. Panel discussions explore the complexities of cross-border deals, particularly the balancing act between leveraging Chinese innovation and navigating tightening U.S. regulatory and geopolitical restrictions. Eight emerging companies present "roadshow" pitches on novel technologies, including AI-enabled clinical software, advanced cancer organoid platforms, in vivo CAR-T therapies, and specialized treatments for chronic conditions like Alzheimer's disease and fibrosis. Collectively, the event illustrates an industry transition where capital efficiency and advanced computational tools are essential for survival in a cautious funding environment.

Welcome & CABS Introduction

Sihong Zhou (President, CABS) delivered the opening remarks for the CABS 2026 investment forum. She introduced the CABS as a large, volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to professional growth and collaboration within the life sciences. She highlighted the organization’s impressive reach and its role as a dynamic platform for networking, science entrepreneurship, and career advancement for thousands of global members. By outlining upcoming workshops and the flagship 2026 BioPacific Annual Conference, Sihong emphasized the value of community involvement and corporate sponsorship in fostering innovation.

Keynote

Jonathan Norris (Managing Director, HSBC Innovation Banking) – HSBC Venture Healthcare Report

In this keynote address, Jonathan Norris provided a comprehensive data-driven analysis of the venture healthcare ecosystem, tracing its evolution from the 2021 market peak through a period of valuation correction and retrenchment. He highlighted the emergence of mega rounds ($100M+) as a primary strategy for risk mitigation, where investors consolidate capital into fewer, later-stage deals to ensure companies have sufficient funding to reach critical clinical milestones. While biopharma remains the dominant force in healthcare ventures at around 50% of the capital, there is a resurgence in platform technologies and a significant influx of capital into AI-enabled drug discovery. Regionally, Boston, the Bay Area, and San Diego remain dominant despite some geographic diversification. Norris also described the relationship between the U.S. and China as “frenemies”, where China serves as a vital source of innovation and accelerated clinical data, but also emerges as a competitor. He observed that M&A activity surged in 2025, and although upfront M&A values are rising, the increased capital invested via mega rounds has compressed exit multiples, reducing returns for traditional venture investors. IPO activity remains limited but has shown signs of improving, with stronger public market performance in the second half of 2025 despite valuation step-downs at listing. Ultimately, Norris expressed cautious optimism for 2026, noting that while high capital requirements are depressing exit multiples, strong M&A activity and a recovering public market suggest a stabilizing environment for innovation.

The full HSBC Venture Healthcare Report can be accessed through this link:

https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/-/media/hinv/pdf/2025-annual-venture-healthcare-report.pdf

Panel 1: Navigating Global Biotech Capital: Opportunities and Challenges in Cross-Border Investment

Panel 1 was moderated by Janet Xiao, Partner of Morrison Foerster LLP. The panel was opened with a live poll highlighting strong deal momentum: nine cross-border biotech transactions were announced during the week, following outbound China biotech deal values reaching an estimated $100–160 billion in 2025. Panelists explored the growing scale and complexity of China–US healthcare dealmaking, pointing to China’s speed, engineering efficiency, and rapid clinical execution as major drivers of outbound innovation. The discussion emphasized key success factors for cross-border deals, including strong and defensible intellectual property, clear clinical differentiation, and trust and transparency between partners. The NewCo model was discussed as an effective structure for managing development, governance, and geopolitical risk when advancing China-originated assets globally, although it comes with challenges. While acknowledging strong investor interest and deal activity, panelists also highlighted potential deal breakers such as IP concerns and increasing national security scrutiny, including export controls and investment restrictions. Despite ongoing decoupling pressures, the panel concluded that sustaining cross-border collaboration remains critical to advancing innovation and delivering life-saving therapies to patients worldwide.

Roadshow Session 1

Hong Ye (Founder & CEO, RenuMemo Therapeutics) – Multi-pathway Intervention for Meaningful Change in Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Hong presented RM02, a small-molecule combination therapy for Alzheimer’s designed to target multiple pathways simultaneously, including neuro-inflammation and amyloid plaque reduction. They are currently seeking $4 million in seed funding to reach Phase 1 readiness.

hong.ye@renumemo.com

Shian-Jiun Shih (Co-Founder & CEO, Cellentia, Inc) – Leveraging Metastatic Cancer Organoids to Find Cures for Cancers

Dr. Shih showcased a platform using circulating tumor cell (CTC)-derived organoids to screen drugs against metastatic, drug-resistant cancers. The company is seeking $2 million to initiate their drug discovery journey, specifically targeting triple-negative breast cancer.

sjs@cellentiabio.com

Gurpreet Singh (Ph.D., Respiree, Inc) – Improving Lives Through Respiratory Innovation

Respiree provides AI-enabled clinical software and wearable devices designed to predict clinical deterioration with 20 times the precision of standard early warning scores. While they closed a series A in 2025, they were nearly closing a final allocation of funds during the forum week.

gurpreet@respiree.com

Guangrong Lu (Founder, President & CEO, Lucier Pharma) – Novel Science-based High Potential Drug Candidates for Diseases due to Microvascular Dysfunction

Dr. Lu focuses on microvascular dysfunction using novel science to develop two drug candidates for conditions like coronary microvascular function (CMD). They are seeking $1 to $2 million and are actively meeting for valuation and further fundraising.

Guangrong.Lu@lucier-pharma.com

John Rafferty, Partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, and Jennifer Hu, BD advisor, served as judges for Roadshow Session 1.

Sponsor Presentation

Yinpeng Zhan (BD Senior Manager, Wuxi Biologics) – Uniting Drug Development Expertise with Bispecific Antibody Production Services

Our sponsor WuXi Biologics introduced their high-throughput antibody production services. Their "Quick and Clean" service is designed for high-throughput screening, utilizing a streamlined three-step purification process to deliver high-purity samples with minimal toxins in under a month. For more complex projects, their "Premium Bispecific" service supports diverse antibody formats and employs advanced intact mass spectrometry to ensure the final product is free from unwanted byproducts.

Panel 2: Investor – Entrepreneur Dialogue: Building the Next Generation of Global Biotech Leaders

Panel 2 brought together a diverse group of leaders spanning CROs, biotech founders, venture investors, AI pioneers, and academic educators to explore how science, capital, and talent are shaping the future of global biotechnology. Moderated by Wentao Zhang, Co-CEO of Frontage Laboratories, the discussion highlighted key themes including what is “hot” in today’s funding environment, the centrality of patient impact over hype, and the growing influence of AI across the entire drug development lifecycle, from target identification and molecule design to clinical trial optimization and real-world data analysis. Panelists emphasized that successful innovation depends on strong differentiation, the right target–modality pairing, high-quality data, and capital-efficient execution, especially in a challenging funding climate. Longevity, neurodegeneration, RNA therapeutics, cell therapy, and senior health emerged as long-term opportunity areas, while AI was widely viewed as a transformative but still maturing tool rather than a silver bullet. The conversation also addressed global dynamics, noting China’s strengths in speed, clinical execution, and scale, alongside the US’s continued advantages in foundational innovation and talent, while cautioning that sustained leadership will require continued investment in science, data quality, and open global collaboration. Overall, the panel underscored that the next generation of global biotech will be built at the intersection of disciplined science, thoughtful use of AI, cross-border execution, and an unwavering focus on delivering meaningful therapies to patients.

Roadshow Session 2

Yuchen Zhou (Founder & CEO, Applied Cells, Inc) – Making CAR-T at <$10,000

Applied Cells have developed a rapid, low-cost CAR-T manufacturing process that reduces production costs to approximately $10,000 by using a "closed-loop" system that eliminates the need for a lengthy expansion phase. The company is actively looking for investors to co-create "CAR-T 2.0".

yuchen.zhou@appliedcells.com

Neil Desai (CEO & Founder, Aanastra, Inc) – Precision in vivo mRNA therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disease

Aanastra features a peptide-based delivery system for RNA that targets specific cell types to enable in vivo CAR-T therapy and treat p-53 mutations in cancer. They are seeking $8 to $10 million in seed financing, intended to lead into a $30 million series A.

ndesai@aanastra.com

Jessica He (BD Manager, Inhal Pharma) – The First-In-Class Inhalable GLP-1/GIP/GCGR Triple Agonist

Inhal Pharma is developing CT170, a first-in-class inhaled GLP-1 therapy for obesity and diabetes designed to improve patient adherence by replacing weekly injections. They are seeking $30 million for a seed round to complete non-clinical studies and a Phase 1 clinical trial.

jessica@inhalpharma.com

Deebie Symmes (CBO/COO, Aluda Pharmaceuticals) – Defeat Severe Stage Disease Across the Inflammation – Fibrosis Spectrum

Aluda targets vimentin, a structural protein acting as a "gas pedal" for disease progression, to treat severe inflammation and fibrosis. They are currently in the process of raising $15 million to cover manufacturing and Phase 1/2 clinical build-up.

Deebie@aludapharm.com

John Rafferty, Partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP, and Ronjon Nag, of the R42 Group and Adjunct Professor at Stanford University, served as judges for Roadshow Session 2.

Closing Remarks

Sihong Zhou concluded the forum by thanking the speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and participants for their contributions. The event was successfully hosted by the BCD, E-Club, and PRC Committee at CABS.

Recap authors: Lingling Peng, Wenjia Gu, and Ellen Wan

Morrison Foerster office, 425 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94105

Join Us for the Genetic Medicine Workshop!

Join leading experts from biotech and pharma for a dynamic workshop on the future of RNA and DNA therapeutics. Discover cutting-edge advances in LNP delivery, RNA drug development, AI-powered gene editing, and next-generation nucleic acid platforms, and gain actionable insights driving the next wave of genetic medicines. Register now!

Agenda

Speakers’ Bios

Jingjing Zhou

Vice President, Cosychem

Dr. Zhou is currently the Vice President of Technology at Cosychem, where he leads cutting-edge efforts in oligonucleotide synthesis, lipid nanoparticle delivery systems, and the upstream development of raw materials critical to RNA and DNA therapeutics.

He earned his Ph.D. from Peking University, where he laid the foundation for his research in chemical biology and biomolecular engineering. Following that, he completed his postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego, deepening his expertise in translational biochemistry and nucleic acid drug development.

With extensive hands-on experience building GMP-compliant platforms and leading global technical collaborations, Dr. Zhou is at the forefront of developing integrated solutions for the next generation of nucleic acid-based medicines.

Lijun Huang

Former senior principal scientist at Poseida Therapeutics of Genentech

Dr. Lijun Huang is a medicinal chemist and nucleic-acid delivery scientist with extensive experience in ionizable lipid design, targeted LNP platforms, and oligonucleotide chemistry. He has developed novel lipids, GalNAc and cleavable PEG-lipid conjugates that have progressed into NHP and preclinical studies, supporting siRNA, mRNA, DNA and gene-editing programs. Dr. Huang has led cross-functional collaborations with CROs/CMOs on scale-up, CMC documentation, and analytical characterization of LNPs. His current work focuses on advancing targeted LNPs—including antibody- and VHH-decorated systems—for in vivo cell engineering and next-generation RNA therapeutics.

Kai-Yuan Chen