Immunofoco, a Shanghai-based clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in novel cell therapies for solid tumors, has been named to the prestigious Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2025 list. The company was one of only nine from mainland China and one of two in the Biotechnology & Healthcare sector selected.
The Forbes Asia selection process is rigorous and multi-staged. Companies are assessed on various factors, including their overall impact, market viability, innovation, revenue growth, and funding ability. This year’s list represents 100 companies from 16 countries and territories across the Asia-Pacific region.
Immunofoco‘s selection is largely attributed to its groundbreaking research and development. The company’s EpCAM-targeted CAR-T cell therapy, IMC001, has shown promising results in preclinical models and clinical trials for patients with advanced gastric cancer. These findings were published in Molecular Therapy.
Furthermore, Immunofoco‘s Peri Cruiser® technology platform, developed in collaboration with Professor Bo Zhai and others at Tongji University-affiliated Shanghai East Hospital, was featured in Science Translational Medicine. This platform enhances the efficacy and safety of CAR-T therapy in solid tumors.
The company’s Phase I registrational trial for IMC002 has also concluded successfully, showing positive safety and efficacy data. In one instance, a patient with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastases achieved a sustained complete response (CR) one year after a single IMC002 infusion, having progressed through several other treatment options. Another patient with advanced, unresectable gastric cancer underwent successful curative resection after a single infusion, with no evidence of recurrence two years later.
Immunofoco‘s innovative in vivo technology platform, utilizing a novel lentiviral vector, was also presented at the ASGCT 2025 Annual Meeting. This platform offers a potential solution to the complexities and high costs associated with conventional CAR-T therapy manufacturing.
The company has secured approximately $70 million in funding from investors including Vivo Capital, SDIC Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (SDICVC), Delian Capital, ZhenFund, and Bohe Angel. These funds will be used to accelerate clinical studies and support international expansion.
Dr. Minmin Sun, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Immunofoco, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the recognition of the company’s efforts and the growing influence of Chinese biotech innovation on the global stage. The company’s pipeline includes IMC001 and IMC008 (SNR CAR-T), both of which have received orphan drug designations from the U.S. FDA. Immunofoco is focused on developing life-changing cell therapies for patients worldwide.
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