ATLATL’s AVIC+Lab Model is to Pioneer Biotech Innovation

SHANGHAI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Shanghai–AVIC+Lab represents four components combined with the research lab:
Artificial intelligence, Venture capital, Intellectual property, and
CROs or CMOs. AVIC+Lab is a creative model addressed by ATLATL
Innovation Cluster, which was founded by Kendall Square entrepreneur Dr.
P.C. Zhu, who initiated the founding of Mass Innovation Labs (renamed
Smartlab). After moving to Shanghai, Dr. Zhu spent two years researching
the local life sciences ecosystem together with Alex Zhavoronkov, the
founder of a leading AI drug discovery company, Insilico. Together, they
designed the unique model in Zhangjiang (like Kendall, or South San
Francisco in the US), Shanghai: AVIC+Lab.

Dr. Zhu began his career in Kendall Square, accumulating tremendous
local experience, and is now trying to address the Kendall model in
Zhangjiang. “The R&D in Kendall is more advanced,” Dr. Zhu said,
“However, Zhangjiang has huge potential for growth. There are more than
20 State Key Labs and prestigious universities, concentrated leading
pharmaceutical companies, about 700 biotech companies, and a STEM
population of 50,000. In terms of up-scaling, Zhangjiang has more
advantages.”

Zhangjiang is the global CRO center, and the “VIC” (Venture Capital, IP,
CRO) model is popular among local biotech start-ups: outsourcing
research and development to CROs, keeping their workforce lean, and
using their capital on product development. Dr. Zhu initiated the
VIC+Lab model, and Alex Zhavoronkov added the “A”, stating, “China has
advantages in AI, and more drug discovery will address AI in the near
term.”

ATLATL offers fully permitted laboratories and office spaces for
scientists and entrepreneurs. Based on the AVIC+Lab model, ATLATL has
set up R&D assembly lines in order to make research more effective.
ATLATL combines its on-site CROs with global giant CRO companies.
Co-location CRO services reduce the failure rate of management,
communication, and logistics. “This unique model separates research
design from bench work, so that different people can each do what they
are best at,” Dr. Zhu said. “Talented scientists can focus more on the
key research, and technicians can deliver the jobs more efficiently.”
Leading VC companies and IP firms joined the ecosystem built by ATLATL.
This model attracts not only local innovators and investors, but also
scientists worldwide. Global innovators enjoy effective solutions and
raise local funds much more easily. IP law firms not only secure their
patents, but also provide guidance.

Alex Zhavoronkov said, “I visited many biohubs around MIT and other
leading institutions, but ATLATL is taking the integration of the
various components of pharma R&D to the next level in the most
sophisticated manner. This is a Nobel-grade lab space designed to enable
record-breaking innovative drug discovery.” ATLATL strives to increase
research density and accelerate research commercialization. Innovative
teams can jumpstart with turnkey solutions, leverage resources more
efficiently, and reach milestones faster than ever. The AVIC+Lab model
helps Western companies land in China with low cost and reduced
uncertainty.

Shanghai is one of the most enterprising cities, full of talent, energy,
and hunger. Facing significant unmet medical needs, China has
prioritized reform of the regulatory environment, torn down the barriers
of bringing innovations to market, and invested more in the healthcare
industry. China will be the world’s largest pharmaceutical market in the
near future. “We will embrace the opportunity and expand the AVIC+Lab
model to more cities,” Dr. Zhu said. “The ATLATL Innovation Cluster will
commercialize global innovations and benefit healthcare not only in
China, but around the world.”

[“Atlatl” is a Nahuatl word that means “spear thrower”, which enabled
ancient hunters to throw farther and faster, eventually generating
greater returns. ATLATL is innovation’s spear thrower — to facilitate
innovators’ growth and enhance their ability to reach milestones faster
than ever.]

Contacts

ATLATL
Amanda Huo
[email protected]
+86
21-58332229