YAFO LIFE SCIENCES
Bridging Global Biopharma, Medtech, and Asia
YAFO Life Sciences is the core life sciences transaction advisory business of YAFO Capital. It is dedicated to bridging global biopharma and medtech innovation with Asian markets. YAFO Life Sciences serves global pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, medtech companies, and Chinese innovative enterprises, with extensive experience in in-licensing, out-licensing, M&A, fundraising, commercial assessment, and transaction execution. Since 2020, YAFO has ranked among the leading advisors in China cross-border licensing transactions by cumulative deal volume and has been recognized for multiple years for its contribution to cross-border licensing and BD transactions. The YAFO team has successfully supported a broad range of global and regional licensing, co-development, M&A, and financing transactions across oncology, ophthalmology, metabolic diseases, orthopedics, immunology, medical devices, and other therapeutic and technology areas.
YAFO conducts systematic asset research across global and Asian markets based on clients’ strategic priorities and pipeline needs. We identify high-quality innovation opportunities, reach key decision-makers, facilitate partnership discussions, and support due diligence, negotiation, and transaction execution.
YAFO helps Chinese and global innovators license their assets to global or regional partners. Our services include asset positioning, preparation of pitching materials, target partner list development, outreach, roadshow coordination, due diligence support, term negotiation, and definitive agreement execution.
YAFO provides end-to-end transaction support for licensing, M&A, fundraising, co-development, and NewCo structures, including transaction strategy, competitive process design, deal structure advice, commercial term analysis, due diligence coordination, and multi-party negotiation.
YAFO supports clients with China and global market assessments, pipeline strategy, target and indication prioritization, asset screening, and partnership feasibility analysis based on clinical profile, market dynamics, competitive landscape, access, pricing, and commercialization pathways.
YAFO is deeply focused on life sciences transactions and has executed dozens of cross-border licensing, M&A, fundraising, and co-development projects. We help clients improve execution efficiency and maximize asset value in complex transaction settings.
YAFO maintains regular interactions with pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, medtech companies, investment funds, and industry experts across China, the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, enabling efficient access to the right potential partners.
YAFO combines market insight, asset screening, competitive analysis, and transaction feasibility assessment to help clients develop clear BD strategies and practical transaction pathways.
With deep experience across Asian and Western markets, YAFO bridges differences in business culture, regulatory environments, and negotiation practices, helping all parties communicate effectively and develop executable partnership structures.
YAFO applies a structured BD process, including tiered target prioritization, customized one-on-one outreach, regular follow-up, client reporting, and bi-weekly alignment calls, ensuring transparency, momentum, and timely feedback throughout the transaction process.
YAFO Life Sciences typically acts as a virtual extension of our clients’ business development teams. By combining global relationships, industry research, transaction expertise, and structured project management, we help clients efficiently identify the right partners, advance transaction discussions, and realize asset value. Our goal is to help clients navigate complex cross-border life sciences transactions, design feasible deal pathways, and execute transactions efficiently.
Novo Nordisk will develop, register, and commercialize UBT251 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Novo Nordisk pay United Laboratories $200 million upfront, up to $1.8 billion in milestone payments, and tiered royalties on net sales in the licensed territories.
Read More ›
E-nitiateBio and Joincare Pharmaceutical have entered into a licensing agreement for the development and commercialization rights of QY101 inhalation formulation in China.
Read More ›
Huisheng Pharm has out-licensed its SGLT-2 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to Huadong Medicine for the China market.
Alphamab Oncology and 3DMedicines announced that we entered into a license agreement with Glenmark Specialty S.A. a subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. for the subcutaneous injection PD-L1 antibody drug (R&D code: KN035), pursuant to which, Glenmark was granted exclusive licensing interests in clinical development and commercialization of oncology indications in India, Asia Pacific(except Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia), the Middle East and Africa, Russia, CIS and Latin America.
Read More ›
Verastem Oncology Enters Discovery and Development Collaboration with GenFleet Therapeutics to Advance New Programs Targeting RAS Pathway-Driven Cancers
Read More ›
VivaVision and Everads Collaborate to Develop Durable and Effective Therapies for Retinal Diseases The two companies will develop certain undisclosed molecules of VivaVision for suprachoroidal delivery using Everads’ technology and expertise.
Read More ›
Syncrommune in-licensed YH002 (OX40 Antibody) and Two Undisclosed Active Ingredients from Eucure Biopharma. Eucure has the potential to receive hundreds of millions of US dollars, including an upfront cash payment
Read More ›
KiOmed Pharma licensed out the development and commercial-ization rights for its OA drug KiOmedinevsOne, to Hansoh Pharma for China’s mainland, Macau and Taiwan. KiOmed Pharma is eligible to receive upfront fee and milestone payments of up to €66 million plus double-digit royalties on future product sales.
Read More ›
Propella licensed the develop- ment and commercialization rights for its Ph2 osteoarthritis drug candidate, to ASK Pharma for Greater China. Propella will receive an upfront cash payment and regulatory milestones of several millions USD and royalties on future sales.
Read More ›
3SBio announced the closing of the licensing agreement between its subsidiary Sunshine Guojian and Syncromune to develop and commercialize the anti-PD-1 antibody 609A worldwide. Sunshine Guojian will receive an upfront cash payment and regulatory milestones of several million and royalties on future sales.
ArkBio announced an exclusive license agreement with Commave Therapeutics, an affiliate of Gurnet Point Capital, for the development, manufacture, and commercialization of AZSTARYS in Greater China. ArkBio will provides up to a total of $105.5 million USD in upfront, developmental and sale milestone, as well as tiered royalties on product net sales.
Read More ›
Sinotau Licenses Rights to Duality of selected monoclonal antibody for specific tumor target that could be further developed into a Best-in-Class ADC drug. Under the terms of the agreement, Sinotau will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalty payments based on the sales.
Biosplice licensed the development and commercialization rights for lorecivivint, a novel phase 3 osteoarthritis drug candidate, to Haisco for Greater China. Deal terms included $140 million in aggregate value plus royalties on future sales, including a combination of upfront payment, clinical and commercial milestones.
Read More ›
ArcScan, a medical company focusing on ophthalmology area, received a $11.15 million Preferred Series B investment from Shanghai Haohai Biotech. ArcScan, Inc. would help Haohai further develop their rapidly expanding offering of implantable lenses and, at the same time, provide ArcScan a base from which to expand into the largest ophthalmology market in the world.
Read More ›
SIFI S.p.A. and AffaMed Therapeutics announced they have entered into an agreement to establish a Joint Venture. The Joint Venture would have exclusive rights to SIFI's range of IOLs in Greater China market, including the premium innovative Mini Well®, Mini Well Toric ® and Mini Well Proxa®lines of Extended Depth of Focus ("EDOF") IOL lenses.
Read More ›
ImmuneOncia Therapeutics licensed the development, manufacture, and commercialization rights for IMC-002, a phase 1 CD47 oncology asset, to 3D Medicines for Greater China. ImmuneOncia to receive potentially up to $470.5 million including $8m upfront, and future development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales.
Read More ›
CANbridge and Puma reached termination of their 2018 license agreement. Simultaneously Puma agreed with Pierre Fabre to amend the terms of their license agreement, which grants Pierre Fabre exclusive rights to develop and commercialize NERLYNX® within Europe and other regions, to also include Greater China.
Read More ›
AUM licensed to Newsoara their current and future pipeline for up to 6 oncology molecules in the Greater China Region. AUM would receive up to $135 million in near-term development, regulatory, and commercial milestones for its current pipeline, and AUM will be eligible to receive up to Double Digit Royalty Payments
Read More ›
Rhizen Pharma licensed the development and commerciali-zation right of Tenalisib, a Dual PI3K Delta and Gamma Inhibitor for Oncology to Curon Biopharma for Greater China. License agreement provided Rhizen with up to $149.5 million upfront payment and milestones, plus double-digit royalties on annual net sales of Tenalisib.
Read More ›
Flexion Therapeutics licensed the development and commercialization right of ZILRETTA, the first and only extended-release intra-articular therapy for patients confronting osteoarthritis-related knee pain, to Tainuo for Greater China. Tainuo would pay Flexion an upfront payment of $10 million, and Flexion will also be eligible to receive up to $32.5 million in aggregate milestone payments.
Read More ›
Tarveda licensed the development and commercialization rights for PEN-866, a Phase 1/2a miniature drug conjugate for solid tumors, to SciClone for Greater China. SciClone would pay Tarveda an upfront payment of U.S. $4 million with the right to make a future equity investment in Tarveda of up to U.S. $5 million. Tarveda will be eligible to receive up to $75 million in aggregate milestone payments.
Read More ›
Eisai China is wholly-owned by Eisai Co., Ltd., a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, with strong R&D capabilities. YAFO utilized a three-person team with extensive experience in evaluating assets and extensive experience in deal executionThe team also leverages the resources of YLS global network to assist Eisai to initiate outreach to several potential partners.
Biomerica signed distribution agreement with Jiangsu Maxhealth for the sale in China of EZ DETECT, a colorectal screening test to detect fecal occult (hidden) blood, an early warning sign of colorectal cancer. According to the agreement, Maxhealth shall pay up-front pre-payment fee and reach a minimum total purchase amount over 7 years.
Read More ›
Valcare raised USD 22 million in total from Microport and Yonghua Capital. Valcare received strategic investment from Microport and licensed the exclusive development and distribution rights of AMEND, CORONA and TRIVID to Microport for the greater China territory.
Synergy Pharma licensed the development and sale right of TRULANCE, (Plecanatide) – indicated for CIC and IBS-C, to Shandong Luoxin Pharma for Greater China. Luoxin Pharmaceutical shall pay up-front fee of $12 million and Synergy is eligible to receive additional $56m based on additional regulatory approval and commercialization milestone payments based on net sales.
Over the past few years, YAFO has supported over 20 buy-side clients, including major pharmaceutical companies such as Eisai, Yangtze River Pharma, and Kelun Pharma, as well as numerous biotech firms. Our expertise spans a wide range of therapeutic areas and diverse modalities and technologies, with a strong track record in both global markets and the China region. To date, we have successfully closed 7 deals for our buy-side clients, encompassing co-development agreements, technology platform collaborations, and pure in-licensing transactions.
We have established a sizeable and systematic network covering global pharma, Asia pharma and biotech, global and Asian investment funds, and medtech companies. This enables us to reach medical companies, funds, and industrial professionals that are active in every subsector. Our contacts include hundreds of senior executives, heads of business and research development of the leading 100+ pharma and medical companies.
✓Broad network and strong relationships with key players.
✓Strong access to both Asian & Western Markets.
✓Up to date market intelligence and research-driven advisory.
• Host conferences and roadshows for Pharma and Biotech companies to meet potential licensing partners.
• Representing clients in China, attending conferences and trade shows to meet partners/investors
Awarded by China Pharma And Medtech BD Forum, CHBD
YAFO LIFE SCIENCES
Bridging Global Biopharma, Medtech, and Asia
YAFO Life Sciences is the core life sciences transaction advisory business of YAFO Capital. It is dedicated to bridging global biopharma and medtech innovation with Asian markets. YAFO Life Sciences serves global pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, medtech companies, and Chinese innovative enterprises, with extensive experience in in-licensing, out-licensing, M&A, fundraising, commercial assessment, and transaction execution. Since 2020, YAFO has ranked among the leading advisors in China cross-border licensing transactions by cumulative deal volume and has been recognized for multiple years for its contribution to cross-border licensing and BD transactions. The YAFO team has successfully supported a broad range of global and regional licensing, co-development, M&A, and financing transactions across oncology, ophthalmology, metabolic diseases, orthopedics, immunology, medical devices, and other therapeutic and technology areas.
YAFO conducts systematic asset research across global and Asian markets based on clients’ strategic priorities and pipeline needs. We identify high-quality innovation opportunities, reach key decision-makers, facilitate partnership discussions, and support due diligence, negotiation, and transaction execution.
YAFO helps Chinese and global innovators license their assets to global or regional partners. Our services include asset positioning, preparation of pitching materials, target partner list development, outreach, roadshow coordination, due diligence support, term negotiation, and definitive agreement execution.
YAFO provides end-to-end transaction support for licensing, M&A, fundraising, co-development, and NewCo structures, including transaction strategy, competitive process design, deal structure advice, commercial term analysis, due diligence coordination, and multi-party negotiation.
YAFO supports clients with China and global market assessments, pipeline strategy, target and indication prioritization, asset screening, and partnership feasibility analysis based on clinical profile, market dynamics, competitive landscape, access, pricing, and commercialization pathways.
YAFO is deeply focused on life sciences transactions and has executed dozens of cross-border licensing, M&A, fundraising, and co-development projects. We help clients improve execution efficiency and maximize asset value in complex transaction settings.
YAFO maintains regular interactions with pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, medtech companies, investment funds, and industry experts across China, the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, enabling efficient access to the right potential partners.
YAFO combines market insight, asset screening, competitive analysis, and transaction feasibility assessment to help clients develop clear BD strategies and practical transaction pathways.
With deep experience across Asian and Western markets, YAFO bridges differences in business culture, regulatory environments, and negotiation practices, helping all parties communicate effectively and develop executable partnership structures.
YAFO applies a structured BD process, including tiered target prioritization, customized one-on-one outreach, regular follow-up, client reporting, and bi-weekly alignment calls, ensuring transparency, momentum, and timely feedback throughout the transaction process.
YAFO Life Sciences typically acts as a virtual extension of our clients’ business development teams. By combining global relationships, industry research, transaction expertise, and structured project management, we help clients efficiently identify the right partners, advance transaction discussions, and realize asset value. Our goal is to help clients navigate complex cross-border life sciences transactions, design feasible deal pathways, and execute transactions efficiently.
Novo Nordisk will develop, register, and commercialize UBT251 globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Novo Nordisk pay United Laboratories $200 million upfront, up to $1.8 billion in milestone payments, and tiered royalties on net sales in the licensed territories.
Read More ›E-nitiateBio and Joincare Pharmaceutical have entered into a licensing agreement for the development and commercialization rights of QY101 inhalation formulation in China.
Read More ›Huisheng Pharm has out-licensed its SGLT-2 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to Huadong Medicine for the China market.
Alphamab Oncology and 3DMedicines announced that we entered into a license agreement with Glenmark Specialty S.A. a subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. for the subcutaneous injection PD-L1 antibody drug (R&D code: KN035), pursuant to which, Glenmark was granted exclusive licensing interests in clinical development and commercialization of oncology indications in India, Asia Pacific(except Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia), the Middle East and Africa, Russia, CIS and Latin America.
Read More ›Verastem Oncology Enters Discovery and Development Collaboration with GenFleet Therapeutics to Advance New Programs Targeting RAS Pathway-Driven Cancers
Read More ›VivaVision and Everads Collaborate to Develop Durable and Effective Therapies for Retinal Diseases The two companies will develop certain undisclosed molecules of VivaVision for suprachoroidal delivery using Everads’ technology and expertise.
Read More ›Syncrommune in-licensed YH002 (OX40 Antibody) and Two Undisclosed Active Ingredients from Eucure Biopharma. Eucure has the potential to receive hundreds of millions of US dollars, including an upfront cash payment
Read More ›KiOmed Pharma licensed out the development and commercial-ization rights for its OA drug KiOmedinevsOne, to Hansoh Pharma for China’s mainland, Macau and Taiwan. KiOmed Pharma is eligible to receive upfront fee and milestone payments of up to €66 million plus double-digit royalties on future product sales.
Read More ›Propella licensed the develop- ment and commercialization rights for its Ph2 osteoarthritis drug candidate, to ASK Pharma for Greater China. Propella will receive an upfront cash payment and regulatory milestones of several millions USD and royalties on future sales.
Read More ›3SBio announced the closing of the licensing agreement between its subsidiary Sunshine Guojian and Syncromune to develop and commercialize the anti-PD-1 antibody 609A worldwide. Sunshine Guojian will receive an upfront cash payment and regulatory milestones of several million and royalties on future sales.
ArkBio announced an exclusive license agreement with Commave Therapeutics, an affiliate of Gurnet Point Capital, for the development, manufacture, and commercialization of AZSTARYS in Greater China. ArkBio will provides up to a total of $105.5 million USD in upfront, developmental and sale milestone, as well as tiered royalties on product net sales.
Read More ›Sinotau Licenses Rights to Duality of selected monoclonal antibody for specific tumor target that could be further developed into a Best-in-Class ADC drug. Under the terms of the agreement, Sinotau will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalty payments based on the sales.
Biosplice licensed the development and commercialization rights for lorecivivint, a novel phase 3 osteoarthritis drug candidate, to Haisco for Greater China. Deal terms included $140 million in aggregate value plus royalties on future sales, including a combination of upfront payment, clinical and commercial milestones.
Read More ›ArcScan, a medical company focusing on ophthalmology area, received a $11.15 million Preferred Series B investment from Shanghai Haohai Biotech. ArcScan, Inc. would help Haohai further develop their rapidly expanding offering of implantable lenses and, at the same time, provide ArcScan a base from which to expand into the largest ophthalmology market in the world.
Read More ›SIFI S.p.A. and AffaMed Therapeutics announced they have entered into an agreement to establish a Joint Venture. The Joint Venture would have exclusive rights to SIFI's range of IOLs in Greater China market, including the premium innovative Mini Well®, Mini Well Toric ® and Mini Well Proxa®lines of Extended Depth of Focus ("EDOF") IOL lenses.
Read More ›ImmuneOncia Therapeutics licensed the development, manufacture, and commercialization rights for IMC-002, a phase 1 CD47 oncology asset, to 3D Medicines for Greater China. ImmuneOncia to receive potentially up to $470.5 million including $8m upfront, and future development and commercial milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on net sales.
Read More ›CANbridge and Puma reached termination of their 2018 license agreement. Simultaneously Puma agreed with Pierre Fabre to amend the terms of their license agreement, which grants Pierre Fabre exclusive rights to develop and commercialize NERLYNX® within Europe and other regions, to also include Greater China.
Read More ›AUM licensed to Newsoara their current and future pipeline for up to 6 oncology molecules in the Greater China Region. AUM would receive up to $135 million in near-term development, regulatory, and commercial milestones for its current pipeline, and AUM will be eligible to receive up to Double Digit Royalty Payments
Read More ›Rhizen Pharma licensed the development and commerciali-zation right of Tenalisib, a Dual PI3K Delta and Gamma Inhibitor for Oncology to Curon Biopharma for Greater China. License agreement provided Rhizen with up to $149.5 million upfront payment and milestones, plus double-digit royalties on annual net sales of Tenalisib.
Read More ›Flexion Therapeutics licensed the development and commercialization right of ZILRETTA, the first and only extended-release intra-articular therapy for patients confronting osteoarthritis-related knee pain, to Tainuo for Greater China. Tainuo would pay Flexion an upfront payment of $10 million, and Flexion will also be eligible to receive up to $32.5 million in aggregate milestone payments.
Read More ›Tarveda licensed the development and commercialization rights for PEN-866, a Phase 1/2a miniature drug conjugate for solid tumors, to SciClone for Greater China. SciClone would pay Tarveda an upfront payment of U.S. $4 million with the right to make a future equity investment in Tarveda of up to U.S. $5 million. Tarveda will be eligible to receive up to $75 million in aggregate milestone payments.
Read More ›Eisai China is wholly-owned by Eisai Co., Ltd., a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, with strong R&D capabilities. YAFO utilized a three-person team with extensive experience in evaluating assets and extensive experience in deal executionThe team also leverages the resources of YLS global network to assist Eisai to initiate outreach to several potential partners.
Biomerica signed distribution agreement with Jiangsu Maxhealth for the sale in China of EZ DETECT, a colorectal screening test to detect fecal occult (hidden) blood, an early warning sign of colorectal cancer. According to the agreement, Maxhealth shall pay up-front pre-payment fee and reach a minimum total purchase amount over 7 years.
Read More ›Valcare raised USD 22 million in total from Microport and Yonghua Capital. Valcare received strategic investment from Microport and licensed the exclusive development and distribution rights of AMEND, CORONA and TRIVID to Microport for the greater China territory.
Synergy Pharma licensed the development and sale right of TRULANCE, (Plecanatide) – indicated for CIC and IBS-C, to Shandong Luoxin Pharma for Greater China. Luoxin Pharmaceutical shall pay up-front fee of $12 million and Synergy is eligible to receive additional $56m based on additional regulatory approval and commercialization milestone payments based on net sales.
Over the past few years, YAFO has supported over 20 buy-side clients, including major pharmaceutical companies such as Eisai, Yangtze River Pharma, and Kelun Pharma, as well as numerous biotech firms. Our expertise spans a wide range of therapeutic areas and diverse modalities and technologies, with a strong track record in both global markets and the China region. To date, we have successfully closed 7 deals for our buy-side clients, encompassing co-development agreements, technology platform collaborations, and pure in-licensing transactions.
We have established a sizeable and systematic network covering global pharma, Asia pharma and biotech, global and Asian investment funds, and medtech companies. This enables us to reach medical companies, funds, and industrial professionals that are active in every subsector. Our contacts include hundreds of senior executives, heads of business and research development of the leading 100+ pharma and medical companies.
✓Broad network and strong relationships with key players.
✓Strong access to both Asian & Western Markets.
✓Up to date market intelligence and research-driven advisory.
• Host conferences and roadshows for Pharma and Biotech companies to meet potential licensing partners.
• Representing clients in China, attending conferences and trade shows to meet partners/investors
Awarded by China Pharma And Medtech BD Forum, CHBD