This collaboration aims to connect Asia-Pacific biotech innovators with Wheeler's U.S.-based ModularCMC™ platform and cGMP manufacturing capabilities in Oklahoma City, streamlining the path to clinical development for antibody-based therapeutics.
Wheeler Bio, Inc., a leading U.S.-based High Science/High Touch contract development and biomanufacturing organization (CDMO), today unveiled a major strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation. This alliance is set to accelerate Wheeler Bio’s commercial activities and business development throughout the dynamic Asia-Pacific (APAC) market, providing a crucial bridge for regional biotech innovators seeking U.S. development and cGMP manufacturing expertise.
The partnership involves a significant investment from Mitsubishi Corporation into Wheeler’s Series A-1 financing round. More importantly, it establishes Mitsubishi Corporation as Wheeler Bio’s exclusive commercialization partner in the expansive Asia-Pacific region. This geographic scope encompasses key biotech hubs including Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and China.
Mitsubishi Corporation will deploy its substantial resources, which include a vast regional network, deeply entrenched industry relationships, and profound commercial acumen, to identify and engage promising Asia-Pacific biotech companies. The focus will be on innovators developing antibody-based therapeutics who require world-class U.S.-based development and manufacturing services.
The collaboration directly addresses the rising global demand for U.S.-based biomanufacturing capacity. By leveraging this partnership, Wheeler Bio is poised to offer its advanced capabilities to a wider international clientele. Mitsubishi Corporation's role will be pivotal in recruiting new client relationships, effectively linking biologics innovators to Wheeler's sophisticated AI/ML enabled ModularCMC™ platform and its state-of-the-art cGMP biomanufacturing facility situated in Oklahoma City.
Wheeler Bio’s ModularCMC™ platform is specifically designed to streamline the journey from drug discovery to clinical development. It promises maximum speed, agility, and scalability, coupled with a "High-Touch" customer experience characterized by timely transparency, rigorous scientific standards, and a genuine partnering ethos. This makes the platform a highly attractive option for APAC firms looking to navigate the complex path to clinical trials with efficiency and confidence.
Takahiro Tokuda, COO of the Healthcare Division at Mitsubishi Corporation, expressed strong confidence in the venture: "We have long been engaged in the pharmaceutical CDMO market, and we are firmly convinced that Wheeler Bio's service offerings will provide significant value to clients. Through this strategic partnership, we are confident that the development of biopharmaceutical seeds in the APAC region will be accelerated, ultimately contributing to the improvement of people's lives."
Patrick Lucy, President and CEO of Wheeler Bio, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic value of the investment and partnership: "Wheeler is honoured to have Mitsubishi invest in and partner with Wheeler Bio in support of our business development efforts as we scale the organization. Mitsubishi's long term domain experience in biologics contract manufacturing is invaluable to our growth objectives."
