HUYA Bioscience

What HUYA Bioscience does

HUYA Bioscience International (operating as HUYABIO) is a private, for-profit biopharmaceutical company founded in 2004 and jointly headquartered in San Diego, California and Shanghai, China. The company operates a distinctive cross-border co-development model: it identifies and licenses promising pre-clinical and clinical-stage drug compounds from Chinese research institutions, universities, and pharmaceutical companies, then develops and commercializes them for ex-China (primarily US, EU, and Japan) markets. It maintains what it describes as the largest China-sourced compound portfolio covering all therapeutic areas — evaluating more than 600 candidates — and operates eight strategic offices across China alongside international offices in Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Ireland. Major Western pharmaceutical partners have included Organon, Abbott, Solvay, and Bristol Myers Squibb, while exclusive Chinese-origin licensing relationships anchor the upstream portfolio (e.g., chidamide from Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences and HBI-3000 from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica).

The company's lead asset is HBI-8000 (chidamide, branded Hiyasta® in Japan), an oral selective Class I histone deacetylase inhibitor approved as monotherapy for T-cell lymphoma in China (2014) and Japan (2021) and as combination therapy with an aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer in China (2019) and Taiwan (2023). The oncology pipeline extends into HBI-2376 (SHP2 inhibitor, FDA IND cleared, Phase 1), HBI-2438 (KRAS G12C inhibitor with blood-brain barrier penetration, Phase 1), HBI-2375 (first-in-class MLL1-WDR5 epigenetic inhibitor, ready for IND submission), and HBI-2448 (Wee1 inhibitor licensed from Shanghai Pharmaceuticals). The cardiovascular pipeline includes HBI-3000 (intravenous multi-ion channel blocker, completed Phase 1 and Stage A of Phase 2 in acute atrial fibrillation), HBI-3020 (oral follow-on for chronic AF maintenance), and HBI-3808 (cardiac regeneration therapy for post-myocardial infarction repair).

HUYABIO generates revenue through licensing fees, milestone payments, and royalties from co-development partnerships with major Western pharmaceutical companies, supplemented by product sales through regional distribution partners — most notably Meiji Seika Pharma as the exclusive distributor for Hiyasta® in Japan and other Asian countries. The company also receives clinical supply and development support from Bristol Myers Squibb for melanoma combination studies. Total disclosed funding across three rounds (2009, 2012, 2015) is approximately $60.6 million. The company is led by founder, CEO and Executive Chair Dr. Mireille Gillings, named Pharma Executive of the Year at the 2016 BioPharma Industry Awards.

Name

HUYA Bioscience

Legal name

HUYA Bioscience International, LLC

Website

https://huyabio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

HUYA Bioscience International is a private biopharmaceutical company that identifies, licenses, and globally develops clinical-stage drug compounds sourced from Chinese research institutions and pharmaceutical companies for Western markets, with a pipeline spanning oncology and cardiovascular indications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biopharmaceutical Drug Development

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833)

akta.pro primary industry

Oncology & Hematology Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Oncology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAA)

Keywords

• Biopharmaceutical drug development
• Oncology drug pipeline
• Cardiovascular therapeutics
• China-sourced compounds
• Licensing and co-development

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Licensing and Co-development Agreements: HUYABIO identifies and licenses promising pre-clinical and clinical stage compounds from Chinese partners, then co-develops them with Western pharmaceutical companies. Revenue is generated through licensing fees, milestone payments, and royalties from commercialization. HUYABIO retains ex-China rights while Chinese partners retain China rights.
2. Product Commercialization: Commercialization of approved products such as HBI-8000 (Hiyasta) in Japan and other markets. Revenue from product sales through distribution partners like Meiji Seika Pharma.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

HUYABIO International identifies, licenses, and co-develops novel biopharmaceutical compounds originating from Chinese research institutions and pharmaceutical companies for global development and commercialization. The company's portfolio includes clinical-stage compounds in oncology (HBI-8000/Hiyasta, HBI-2376, HBI-2438, HBI-2375, HBI-2448) and cardiovascular (HBI-3000, HBI-3020, HBI-3808), with HBI-8000 approved and marketed in Japan for T-cell lymphomas under the brand Hiyasta.

Product overview

HUYABIO International operates as a biopharmaceutical company that identifies, licenses, and develops promising Chinese drug compounds for global markets. The company's core offering consists of a portfolio of clinical-stage compounds spanning two therapeutic areas: oncology (including HBI-8000/Hiyasta®, HBI-2376, HBI-2438, HBI-2375, and HBI-2448) and cardiovascular (HBI-3000, HBI-3020, and HBI-3808). HBI-8000 (Hiyasta®) is the lead commercial product, approved and marketed in Japan for T-cell lymphomas and in China/Taiwan for breast cancer. The remaining pipeline compounds are in various stages of clinical development from preclinical through Phase 2.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HBI-8000 (Hiyasta) Selective Class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with immune modulatory properties; approved for treatment of T-cell lymphoma as monotherapy in China (2014) and Japan (2021), and in breast cancer as combination therapy with aromatase inhibitor in China (2019) and Taiwan (2023). Marketed in Japan under the brand Hiyasta.
• HBI-2376

Quantifiable outcome

• HBI-8000 approved and marketed in Japan for ATLL and PTCL
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• China Wuqing Development AreaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2014Strategic collaboration focuses on promoting biomedical innovations from companies located in the Area. HUYA will have right of priority review to evaluate certain R&D projects and provide advice and consultation.
• TIPR-HUYA Advancing Innovative Medicines (Joint Venture)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2014Joint venture between HUYA and Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research to develop medical technologies and therapies originating in both China and the western world for global markets. HUYA and TIPR share equally in decision-making regarding product development and commercialization, focusing initially on the fast-growing Chinese market.
• Changzhou Center for Biotech Development (CZCBD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 August 2014Partnership focuses on advancing worldwide potential of innovations from bio-pharmaceutical companies located in Changzhou. HUYA will have right of priority review to evaluate certain R&D projects of local companies supported by CZCBD.
• Shanghai Zhangjiang Biotech Pharmaceutical BaseminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2013Partnership focuses on innovations from companies located in Zhangjiang Biotech Pharmaceutical Base. HUYA will have first opportunity to evaluate certain R&D projects conducted at the base and provide support and assistance.
• Tianjin Research Center of Basic Medical SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2012Strategic partnership focuses on innovations from this nonprofit research institution that could meet critical global pharmaceutical pipeline needs. HUYA will have first opportunity to evaluate certain R&D projects conducted at TJRCBMS.
• Fudan University - School of PharmacyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2012Partnership with Prof. Deyong Ye's lab specializing in drug design and synthesis, including computer modeling of enzyme structures for SMS inhibitors targeting metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
• Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research (TIPR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 January 2012Strategic partnership combines both parties' strengths in promoting advancement of China's drug innovations. HUYA will have first opportunity to evaluate certain R&D projects conducted at TIPR and help globalize select programs.
• Shenzhen Polytechnic - School of Applied Chemistry and BiotechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2011Partnership provides HUYA with access to and first review of certain novel therapeutic candidates owned or controlled by the school. School gains access to HUYA's expertise in drug development and global network of pharmaceutical partners.
• Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine (TJAB)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2011Alliance will unite strength and resources of both parties to accelerate development of China's biomedical innovation and industrialization. HUYA will have first opportunity to provide assistance in evaluating R&D projects conducted by enterprises residing in TJAB.
• Zhejiang Chinese Medical University - Life Science CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2011Collaboration agreement will accelerate global drug development of China's novel Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). HBI-3000 was originally derived from a TCM.
• Liaoning (Benxi) Bio-Pharmaceutical Industry BaseminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2011Collaboration agreement combines both parties' strength in aiding advancement of China's drug innovation platform. HUYA will have first opportunity to provide assistance in evaluating R&D projects conducted by pharmaceutical enterprises residing in the base.
• Wuhan National Bio-industry Base (Biolake)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 March 2011Strategic alliance expected to combine both parties' resources to accelerate development of pharmaceutical discoveries from China. HUYA will have first opportunity to provide assistance in evaluating R&D projects conducted by pharmaceutical enterprises residing in Biolake.
• QuintilescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 28 September 2010Partnership for Phase I development of HBI-8000. HUYA and Quintiles co-develop the new cancer drug sourced in China by HUYA. HBI-8000 entered Phase I clinical trial in the US under an IND application with the FDA.
• Sun Yat-sen University - School of Pharmaceutical SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 August 2010Partnership expands HUYA's foothold in Southern China. Agreement provides HUYA with access to and first review of certain novel therapeutic candidates owned or controlled by SYSU's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• China Medical City (Taizhou National Medical Hi-tech Development Zone)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 June 2010Alliance combines both parties' strengths in pharmaceutical product R&D and commercialization. HUYA will have first opportunity to provide assistance in evaluating R&D projects conducted by pharmaceutical companies residing in CMC.
• Beijing University of Chinese Medicine - School of Chinese Materia MedicaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2010Partnership provides HUYA with access to and first review of certain novel therapeutic candidates owned or controlled by the school. HBI-3000, HUYA's anti-arrhythmic compound, was originally derived from a Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Ocean University of China - School of Medicine and PharmacyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 November 2009Strategic partnership provides HUYA with rights of first review and negotiation relating to certain novel therapeutic and diagnostic product candidates owned or controlled by the University. Ocean University gains access to HUYA's global network of pharmaceutical partners and expertise in pre-clinical and clinical development.
• Solvay PharmaceuticalscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2009Solvay Pharmaceuticals signed agreement to access HUYA's comprehensive Chinese molecule portfolio, focusing specifically on compounds in the cardiovascular area. Partnership helps Solvay speed up early discovery activities and increase chances for developing innovative new therapies.
• AbbottcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2009Abbott gained access to HUYA's Chinese bioscience network to identify and pursue proprietary preclinical and clinical drug candidates originating in China. HUYA is currently evaluating and following the progress of more than 600 lead, preclinical and clinical drug candidates.
• Beijing Institute of Materia Medica (BIMM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2009Partnership agreement grants HUYA opportunity to collaborate with BIMM on pre-clinical safety and efficacy, and clinical trial protocols. Also provides HUYA with right of first review and negotiation for licensing and development of certain new compounds owned or controlled by BIMM in cardiology, endocrinology, oncology, immunology, hematology, neuroscience and anti-infectives.
• Schering-Plough CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2008Schering-Plough selected HUYA to identify and present proprietary lead, preclinical and clinical drug candidates in specific therapeutic areas that originate in China on an exclusive basis.
• Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2007HUYA licensed novel clinical stage anti-arrhythmic compound HBI-3000 (sulcardine) from SIMM, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The compound exhibits unique profile of myocardial ion channel regulation compared to approved US and European anti-arrhythmic therapeutics.
• Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2007HUYA exclusively licensed worldwide rights outside China to the cancer compound chidamide (HBI-8000) from Chipscreen. HUYA co-develops chidamide with Chipscreen through Phase I clinical trials in China.
• Organon (Akzo Nobel)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 January 2007Organon signed collaboration agreement with HUYA to search for new proprietary biopharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical compounds. As part of the collaboration, Organon acquired an equity interest in HUYA. HUYA supports Organon in sourcing and development of pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical compounds in three specific therapeutic areas.
• Meiji Seika PharmacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMeiji Seika Pharma appointed as exclusive distributor for HBI-8000 in Japan and other Asian countries.
• Bristol Myers SquibbcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal clinical trial collaboration in melanoma. BMS is responsible for supply of Opdivo (nivolumab) for the trial, which is sponsored by HUYABIO.
• Shanghai Jemincare PharmaceuticalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive license of KRAS inhibitor from Shanghai Jemincare Pharmaceutical.
• Shanghai PharmaceuticalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive license of Wee1 inhibitor from Shanghai Pharmaceuticals.
• Korea Drug Development FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance with the Korea Drug Development Fund for drug development.
• Suzhou BioTOPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Suzhou BioTOP for development support.
• CAS Innovation and Investment CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic collaboration with CAS Innovation and Investment Company.
• TechCode Gu'an Lifesciences ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic collaboration with TechCode Gu'an Lifesciences Park.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hutchmed (Chi-Med): Hutchmed is a China-headquartered biopharma that discovers and develops novel oncology and immunology therapies for global markets — directly comparable to HUYABIO's China-to-global drug development model, with a similarly oncology-focused pipeline and US/EU/China commercialization footprint.
• BeiGene: BeiGene is a global oncology-focused biopharma built on China-originated assets (e.g., Brukinsa, tislelizumab) with deep China roots and a global commercial organization — closely comparable to HUYABIO in therapeutic focus and China-originating model, though at a much larger scale.
• Zai Lab: Zai Lab in-licenses and develops innovative drugs for China and global markets, including oncology assets. Comparable to HUYABIO in business model (licensing/co-development with global pharma) and therapeutic focus, though Zai Lab primarily targets the China market with global ambitions.
• Everest Medicines: Everest Medicines in-licenses and develops innovative therapies for the China and Asia-Pacific markets with a focus on anti-infectives and oncology. Similar to HUYABIO's licensing-driven, China-rooted development model with global aspirations.
• LianBio: LianBio was built explicitly as a bridge between China biopharma innovation and global development, in-licensing assets for China and US trials. Directly comparable to HUYABIO's China-to-global co-development model and therapeutic focus on serious diseases.
• Cstone Pharmaceuticals: CStone Pharmaceuticals is a China-based biopharma developing and commercializing immuno-oncology and precision medicines with global reach (notably through partnerships with Bayer and others). Comparable to HUYABIO in therapeutic focus (oncology), China origins, and licensing/co-development strategy.
• Antengene: Antengene develops and commercializes novel hematology and oncology therapies with operations in China, US, and Asia-Pacific. Comparable to HUYABIO in China-originating oncology pipeline and cross-border development model.
• I-Mab Biopharma: I-Mab is a China-US clinical-stage biopharma focused on immuno-oncology, with assets developed in China and tested globally. Similar to HUYABIO in China-originating biopharma innovation and US clinical presence, though I-Mab emphasizes biologics.

Emerging players

• BridgeBio Pharma: BridgeBio operates a hub-and-spoke model developing multiple genetically targeted therapies, similar in spirit to HUYABIO's portfolio approach of advancing multiple compounds in parallel, though BridgeBio focuses on US/European rare disease assets rather than Chinese sourcing.
• Roivant Sciences: Roivant operates a multi-asset "Vant" model that in-licenses and develops multiple therapeutic programs across subsidiaries — structurally comparable to HUYABIO's portfolio approach of sourcing and advancing multiple Chinese compounds, though with a different therapeutic and geographic focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/huya-bioscience-international

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HUYA Bioscience