The third Zhangjiang International Life Science Innovation Summit took place at the Zhangjiang Science Hall on 25 September 2023. At the main forum, organizers announced the second annual Zhangjiang Life and Health Sciences Industry Rising Stars list, with Innogen among the companies recognized. The recognition reflects further acknowledgment by government and industry of the science-driven biotechnology company's technical capabilities and the innovative value of its pipeline.
With the theme ‘The Power of Innovation, Shared Globally,’ the summit highlighted the origins of innovation in frontier technologies and promoted international collaboration and global development. The Rising Stars list showcases Zhangjiang's biomedical research achievements and innovation. As one of the companies recognized, Innogen attracted attention from government bodies, industry experts and academia. Founder Professor Qinghua Wang was also invited to present at the forum on new molecules, new technologies and emerging trends in drug R&D.
Innogen's first pipeline product, efsubaglutide alfa, has completed Phase III clinical studies for type 2 diabetes, and the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) has accepted its new drug application. Clinical results showed good safety and excellent glucose-lowering efficacy, indicating advantages in treating diabetes, a major chronic metabolic disease. Following approval, it is expected to become China's first humanized, long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist with independently owned intellectual property, benefiting more people with diabetes. The company is also developing efsubaglutide alfa for weight loss and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to address substantial unmet treatment needs.
About the Zhangjiang Life and Health Sciences Industry Rising Stars awards
Under the guidance of the Office of the Pudong New Area Talent Work Leading Group and the Pudong New Area Science, Technology and Economy Commission, the Zhangjiang International Life Science Innovation Summit organizing committee coordinates nominations from Zhangjiang's industrial parks and the Pudong New Area Bioindustry Association. Companies are evaluated on criteria including innovation, independently developed products and actual development progress. The awards showcase Zhangjiang's innovation achievements, ecosystem and vitality.
About Innogen
Innogen is a science-driven biotechnology company committed to providing innovative, accessible, affordable and high-quality medicines for people with metabolic diseases. Its pipeline covers indications including diabetes, obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. All pipeline products are independently developed and covered by global patents. The company plans to expand R&D and commercial activities globally.
Liver indication in the original English version
When describing further development of efsubaglutide alfa, the company’s original English version specifically names NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). The corresponding Chinese paragraph uses the broader term nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Both refer to development plans at the time of this article.