Photo: Courtesy of Bayer and Codone Biotechnology

During the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Bayer and Codone Biotechnology (Codone) signed a collaboration agreement, marking Codone the first resident company of Bayer Co.Lab in China. This is the latest milestone in the global expansion of Bayer Co.Lab network, which launched its first site in China just this September. In November 2023, during the 6th CIIE, the company announced the expansion of Bayer Co.Lab as a global co-creation platform to China.

"We are delighted to welcome Codone as the first company in China to join our Bayer Co.Lab community, a mere 40 days after the grand opening of our new site in the country," said Dr. Friedemann Janus, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Co.Lab, Regional Business Development & Licensing and Divestitures at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. "Bayer Co.Lab aims to serve as a vital hub for empowering local start-ups and bridging China's emerging innovations with global pharmaceutical value chain. This initiative underscores Bayer's long-standing commitment to engaging deeply with the biotech innovation ecosystem in China and fostering open collaborations through our end-to-end partnering approaches. We look forward to welcoming more biotech start-ups and key stakeholders joining us on this exciting open innovation journey."

"We are excited to be moving into Bayer Co.Lab, which provides us with access to Bayer's extensive global research and development capabilities," said Dr. Dong Wei, CEO and Co-founder of Codone Biotechnology. "Being part of this innovative network will enhance our scientific and operational effectiveness, empowering us to advance tRNA therapy and support patients worldwide who are affected by diseases caused by nonsense mutations."

Founded in 2022, Codone Biotechnology focuses on developing transformative medicines based on suppressor-tRNAs for patients with severe diseases caused by nonsense mutations (a.k.a, premature termination codons). The company has established proprietary platforms in suppressor-tRNA screening and optimization as well as AAV delivery, for broad range of indications in target organs including central nervous system, kidney, heart and retina.

As part of the Bayer Co.Lab global network, the new site in China will offer state-of-the art laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and tailored support to its resident companies. These biotech start-ups will also benefit from access to Bayer's global expertise and research network, enabling them to connect with international innovation and partner networks within a nurturing ecosystem. Bayer Co.Lab offers a wealth of internal and external expert resources to accelerate innovation through custom mentoring programs. In China, Bayer Co.Lab aims to empower eight to 10 biotech start-ups, focusing on cutting-edge innovations in cell and gene therapies, oncology and new technology platforms. The Bayer Co.Lab network is expanding its global presence with strategic locations in the USA, Germany, China, and Japan, all dedicated to supporting and accelerating the scientific breakthroughs of entrepreneurs in the world's leading innovation hotspots.